Bruce White

Bruce White, 92, of Palestine, IL, died Sunday, March 15, 2020, at Arbor Rose of Robinson. He was born December 8, 1927, in Hutsonville, IL, the son of Carl White & Ruth (Baker) White, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Helen Newlin on March 8, 1950, and she preceded him in death on March 16, 2005. He was also preceded in death by his twin granddaughters, Heather Jo McCammon and Holly Ann McCammon; by his sister, Beverly Fritchie; by his sister & brother-in-law, Bernetta & Marion Williamson; by his nephew, Gary Williamson; by his brothers-in-law, Ira Newlin and Paul McDaniel; and by his special friend, Mary “Joanne” White. He is survived by his daughters & sons-in-law, Patsy & Frank McCammon III (Robinson, IL) and Sandra & Monte Bickers (Palestine, IL); by his grandchildren, Matt Bickers (Palestine, IL) and Sarah Bickers (Palestine, IL); by his sisters, Betty Newlin (Robinson, IL) and Blanche McDaniel (Palestine, IL); by his brother-in-law, Walter, Jr. & wife Barb Fritchie; as well as several nieces and nephews. Bruce grew up north of Palestine and was a 1946 graduate of Palestine High School. The next several years of his life found him working the land as a farmer before hanging up his boots in 1969. At this point, he became a Crawford County Sheriff's Deputy before getting on as a janitor at Marathon. He would work his way up to becoming a "board man" at the refinery before retiring in July of 1986. Even after retirement, Bruce couldn't let dust settle, working part-time as a janitor for Otterbein United Methodist Church. That isn't to say that he didn't know how to enjoy himself. Bruce was an avid bowler and also enjoyed horseshoe pitching. He was even known to grace area golf courses with his presence from time to time! A lover of all things music, he attended countless gospel sings and country dances in the area. Friends and family alike will remember a friendly, easy-going soul who was always more than willing to lend a helping hand. He was a longtime staple at the annual Labor Day breakfast in Palestine and also donated much of his twighlight years to the Palestine Senior Citizens House. "Pappaw Bruce" was, in short, a character. Anyone who knew him could attest to the man's orneriness, which he held onto until the very end. A longtime member of Highland Avenue Baptist Church, Bruce gave his life to Christ years ago. The proof was in the way he lived his life. His 92 years were marked by gentleness, consistency, and faith. We who are left behind have the assurance that on Sunday, he was met with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” In light of the CDC's interim guidance with regard to mass gatherings, Bruce's service will be privately held, but an on-demand video recording of his service will be available here on his memorial site by Thursday, March 19th. Memorial contributions may be made to either "Arbor Rose" or "Oak Grove Cemetery Association". Checks may be mailed to: Goodwine Funeral Homes 303 E Main St Robinson, IL 62454