Jesse White Jr.

ELCO, Ill. -- Jesse E. White Jr., 99, of Elco died Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion, Ill.

He was born Nov. 13, 1914, in Mounds, son of Jesse Earl and Rosa Heater White Sr. He married Reba West on Aug. 29, 1947. She preceded him in death Jan. 20, 2008.

Jesse worked 68 years with Local 318 in Marion and served as a judge in Alexander County in the early 1960s. He was a member of Elco Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school 25 years. He was a 50-year member of Caledonia Lodge 47 AF&AM and the Scottish Rite Bodies, member of Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455 and Modern Woodmen of America.

He was an Army veteran of World War II. He earned two Bronze Battle Stars, a Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal, four Overseas Service Bars and Good Conduct Medal.

Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Peggy Miller of Marion; a brother, Paul White of California; five grandchildren, Sherry (Sonny) Frank, Allen (Sherry) Rix, Tom (Cathy) Rix, Stephanie Modglin, all of Marion, and Tammy Sipperly of Florida; special friends, Jesse and Martha Ledbetter; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a son, Ken Miller; a grandson, Deon Miller; and two brothers, Weldon and John.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill. Masonic service will be at 7 p.m. by Caledonia Lodge 47 AF&AM.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Larry Buckles officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 3455 and Illinois National Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Elco Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences visit crainsonline.com.