Walter R. White

July 18, 1914 - November 20, 2014

Walter, R. White, age 100, formerly of California and Rochester, New York, passed away November 20, 2014 in Centerville, Ohio. Walter Raymond White was born in Sunnyvale, California to Frank Raymond and Margaret Elizabeth (Bills) White on July 18, 1914. Walter's grandparents were early settlers in the San Jose area of California in the 1870's. His father, Frank R. White, served two terms as Mayor of Sunnyvale during the 1930's. Walter graduated from Stanford University in 1935 with a Bachelor's Degree in Organic Chemistry, and was awarded the Franklin Fellowship to earn his Ph.D. in 1938. Walter played oboe and later the bass drum in the Stanford Marching Band for eight years, one year while still in high school and seven years as an undergraduate and graduate student. After graduation, he became a research chemist for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York and remained there his entire career. Many patents for Kodak film are in his name. Walter served in the Army in Europe during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star for creating a portable test to be used on the front lines to monitor for Sulfa levels to prevent infections. After retirement, he worked well into his 90's at his son in law's business in Centerville, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Bernadine (Lewis) White, who he married in 1942, and his brother, Berton Francis White. Walter is survived by his son and daughter in law, James Raymond and Mary Jo White; his daughter and son in law, Margaret (Peggy) and Gary Ihle; and two grandsons, Kevin Robert and Matthew Walter Ihle. Walter was a kind and humble man, most of all a loving husband and remarkable father and grandfather. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice in Walter's memory.