Gilbert White Jr., a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021, in Springville, Utah. Gilbert was born August 8, 1930 in Goshen, Utah to Gilbert White Sr. and Olea Gem Keith at his paternal grandparents home and grew up with his sister, Betty Jean. His quiet personality, with a little teasing, endeared him to his family. He influenced many for good.

Some of Gilbert’s earliest memories came from nature where his parents taught him to hunt, fish, and love the outdoors. Nothing rejuvenated him more than a hike in the mountains; these moments helped develop his spiritual mature. He also kept a meticulous garden and orchard.

Gilbert met his sweetheart Maxine Farr-a sixth grader- when her family moved to Payson to run a family dairy. He courted Maxine until she graduated from high school. When they became engaged. Shortly afterwards, the Korean War broke out and Gilbert’s National Guard unit was deployed. Their entire wedding was planned in just a few days while Gilbert was on leave. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on January 8, 1951. Their first child, Dru, was born a few days before Gilbert returned to the US from Korea. He was employed at Geneva Steel Pipe Mill as a metallurgist. He loved his family and responsibly provided for them.

Gilbert and Maxine’s first home was a small converted garage. Soon Rhett and then Wyn joined the family. As the family outgrew their first home, they found a rundown property on Utah Avenue in Payson just before twins Codi and Calli were born.  Together Gilbert and Maxine went to work transforming the property into their beautiful home where family has gathered for well over 60 years. Gilbert labored, by the sweat of his brow, to remove numerous trees, stumps, chicken coops, out buildings, weeds and debris as well as pouring concrete and landscaping. Their work was rewarding. As this transformation happened, Wayd and then Shae joined the family.

Gilbert spent all of his years in Payson in the Payson First Wars. He served as clerk, young men’s president, elder’s quorum president, home teacher, bishop, high counselor, patriarch, and temple ordinance worker. He was refined over his lifetime through trial he experienced. Gilbert’s life was protected and preserved many times. His example of faith, hope, charity, love of God, knowledge, kindness, meekness, humility, patience, virtue, and enduring to the end continues to bless his posterity.

Gilbert is preceded in death by Maxine, wife; Gilbert While Sr and Olea Gem Keith, parents; Betty Jean White Hill, sister; Georgette Hinano Bremond White, daughter-in-law; Stephen Allan Hales, son-in-law; Spencer Stephen Hales, grandson; Juliette Olea Mathis, great-granddaughter; grandparents and extended family members.

He is survived by his children: Dru Gilbert White (Maeva), Salt Lake City, Utah; Rhett F. White (Carrie), Washington, Utah; Wyn Howden (John), Payson, Utah; Codi F. White (Wanda), Maeser, Utah; Calli Hales, Provo, Utah; Wayd F. White (Vicki), St. George, Utah; Shae Clark (Kevin), Elk Ridge, Utah; 68 grandchildren; 83 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews and extended family.

We express our love and gratitude to the staff at Ashford and First Choice Hospice.

A viewing will be held at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah, on Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Graveside services including the dedication of the grave and interment at Payson City Cemetery for the family will follow the viewing at Walker Funeral Home.