Bob White

GILBERTSVILLE, Ky. -- Billy "Bob" White, 80, husband of Wylene Jones White, of Gilbertsville died Sunday, April 12, 2020, at Edinburg Regional Medical Center in Edinburg, Texas.

Bob was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Dec. 25, 1939, to the late Joe Bell and Ethyl Irene Kappen White.

He made his career as a history professor emeritus at Southeast Missouri State University. He was a graduate of Arkansas State University, earning his Bachelor of Arts, and later received his Master of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. He did post-graduate work at the University of Colorado.

He was associated with many different organizations, including the Gideons, Rotary International, served as the director of the Center for Regional History at Southeast for many years, served on the Missouri State Historic Preservation Board, and was a Fulbright Scholar to Israel.

Bob was a member of Mount Carmel United Methodist Church in Benton, Kentucky.

He is survived by his wife, Wylene Jones White of Gilbertsville, who he married April 7, 1963, at First Christian Church in Murray, Kentucky; daughter, Zonnya White (Will) Carpenter of Philpot, Kentucky; son, R. Bryan (Silvana) White of Pearland, Texas; brother, Joe Charles (Barbara) White of De Soto, Missouri; brother-in-law, E. Ottis (Susan) Jones of Brentwood, Tennessee; grandchildren, Valentina White, Victoria Silva, Rachel Carpenter, Hannah Carpenter, Danielle Carpenter, W. Evan Carpenter and Alexander Carpenter; as well as special nieces and nephews and their families, Matthew Jones, Steve White, Ashley Kebrdle and Kelli Rieck.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Mulky-White Historic Preservation Scholarship, Southeast Missouri State University, 1 University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, or to Gideons International, Marshall County Camp, P.O. Box 206, Benton, KY 42025.

A private family graveside service will be held at this time due to the coronavirus and regulations. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences can be made at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home in Murray is in charge of arrangements.