Donald Ray White passed away at the age of 92 on April 3, 2026. Don was surrounded by his children and grandchildren in his final days.

Donald, affectionately known as Don, was born November 2, 1933 in Dent, Missouri, to parents Cleo Marie and Ronald Elsworth. He was the youngest of two boys.

Don is survived by four of his children, Joel, Charlotte, Rawleigh and Dean, along with 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lois, just five days earlier. Also preceding him was his son Kurt in 2009, and his older brother Ronald Dale, in 2015.

Don and his family made their way to Burns from Missouri in 1942 where new opportunities awaited them in the West.

As a young man ranching in the 40s, Don's days were structured by the rhythm of early morning chores, long days cutting alfalfa and tending cattle, and ending with the smell of horses and fresh hay. This life of "cowboying", as he called it, had a brief interruption when Uncle Sam called him up for service in 1952. Don spent four years aboard an aircraft carrier, dutifully serving his country as a radar technician while patrolling the Pacific. He reflected fondly on his time in the Navy to his family, commenting on how much he enjoyed the noodles in Hong Kong and island life during shore leave at Pearl Harbor.

He returned to Burns in 1956, where he not only picked back up where he left off, but also partnered with his brother Dale for numerous investments. Notably, this included expanding the ranch and acquiring Modern Laundry from their parents, which Don and Dale would continue to operate for more than 25 years thereafter.

While attending the 1957 homecoming football game in Jordan Valley, Don was introduced to Ms. Lois Bergeson, the newly hired music teacher at Slater Elementary School. Her bright red hair, lilting Minnesota accent and pure charm dazzled him from the very beginning.

The only thing a young rancher needs, besides another horse, is a wife at his side. Never one to dilly dally on any decision, Don asked Ms .Bergeson to marry him, less than a month after their first meeting. 3 months later, Don and Lois were married on December 20, 1957, in Burns. They would spend the next 68 years, 3 months and 10 days together as husband and wife, with rarely more than a weekend apart throughout it all.

Don is remembered most for his boisterous voice, his sense of humor, his unending affection and adoration for his family, and his limitless devotion to his wife. Don was also a faithful follower of Jesus and a long time member of Harney County Faith Baptist Church, just as his wife Lois was. Donations in Don & Lois’s memory can be made to Faith Baptist Church or the Burns High School music program. Memorial services for both will be held on May 23, 2026.