In Memory of Lon L White Jr.

1972 - 2025

The world lost a one-of-a-kind soul on March 22, 2025, when Lon L White Jr. departed this life in Azle, Texas. Born on October 24, 1972, in Los Angeles County, California, to Lon L White and Jacqueline Sue Taber, Lon lived a life defined by hard work, family, and a deep appreciation for the little joys that made every day worth living.

Lon was a man of many talents, a jack-of-all-trades who could turn his hand to just about anything. His early years were spent building fences, a trade he worked in for nearly a decade, crafting strong and sturdy boundaries that seemed to reflect the solid foundation of his own character. But his true calling was life on the open road. As a truck driver, he crisscrossed the country, logging countless miles and witnessing firsthand the vast beauty of America from the seat of an 18-wheeler. Coast to coast, through every state and season, he drove with purpose, making a living for his family and embracing the freedom that only the highway can provide.

When he wasn't on the road, Lon found joy in the simplest pleasures. He had a deep love for video games, often playing alongside his children and grandchildren, forging memories over controllers and laughter. His front yard often became an arena for cornhole, a game he played with a competitive spirit and a twinkle in his eye. He had a knack for working on cars, fixing up engines with the same precision and patience he applied to life. But more than anything, Lon loved to supervise the younger generation—offering advice, guidance, and the occasional well-placed joke to keep things lighthearted. He was a man who believed in passing down knowledge, making sure that those who came after him learned a thing or two along the way.

An aficionado of Marvel movies, Lon made it his mission to see every new release, reveling in the epic battles and heroic tales that unfolded on screen. He loved Marvel so much, when playing video games with his son Justin, Lon bought him a Raphael skin to match his Donatello. He was equally devoted to Star Trek, finding inspiration in the voyages of the Enterprise and the boundless exploration of space. His imagination stretched far beyond the confines of everyday life, and he took great joy in sharing that love of storytelling with those around him.

One of his greatest loves—perhaps second only to his family—was coffee. A true coffee enthusiast, he could often be found with a cup in hand, savoring each sip as though it were the fuel that kept him going (and, truth be told, it probably was). There was no wrong time for coffee in Lon's book, and his passion for the beverage became just another part of his legendary persona.

Above all else, Lon was a family man. He cherished his wife, Michelle F. Canfield, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and an ever-growing family tree. His children—Kayla White, Brandi Grabiel (and her husband, Scott Jr.), Lon White III (and his wife, Dawn), and Justin White (and his wife, Kayla)—were his pride and joy. He also embraced his stepchildren—Kyle Ulrich, Gregory Lindner III, Clifford Cole-Lindner, and Ashley Mattern—as his own, offering them the same unwavering love and support.

His legacy lives on in the 15 grandchildren he adored, as well as the one on the way—an upcoming arrival that filled his heart with anticipation and excitement. He often spoke about how much he looked forward to meeting that little one, and though he won't be there in person, his presence will be felt in every embrace, every story, and every moment of love shared among his family.

Lon is also survived by his brothers, Gregory Lindner II, Charles Spencer, and Lonnie White, as well as his sister, Audrey Reno. While his passing leaves an undeniable void, the memories he created will remain vivid and cherished.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Lon L. White and Jacqueline Sue Taber. Though he has now reunited with them, those he leaves behind will continue to carry his spirit forward in their hearts.

Lon was, in every sense of the phrase, an all-around good dude. He was strong yet kind, tough yet caring, with a heart as big as the highways he traveled. He loved deeply, laughed often, and left behind a world that was infinitely better for having known him. His story doesn't end here—it lives on in every person who loved him, in every tale shared around a coffee cup, and in every road trip where the hum of the tires on the pavement seems to whisper his name.

Rest easy, Lon. Your journey may have ended here, but your legacy will continue to roll on, mile after mile, in the hearts of those who loved you.