Eugene Richard “Skip” White
Eugene Richard “Skip” White, age 78, of Shiloh, passed away on Friday night, September 26, 2025.
Born July 24, 1947 in Oberlin, Ohio, Skip was a 1965 graduate of South Central High School. Skip was employed for several years at Plymouth Locomotive as a welder/fabricator and then spent most of his career as a professional truck driver traveling coast to coast. After retirement, he truly enjoyed driving truck for Niese Farms. A man of faith, he was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Ontario.
For 54 years, Skip shared a life full of laughter and adventure with the love of his life, Sharon. Together, they raised two children, Shane and Sabrina. He only had two kids but took part in raising many others who wanted to hang around the White house. Skip had a talent for making you feel special. He always was quick to share a story with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. He was always willing to impart his wisdom on anyone who looked to him for advice.
A lifelong Harley Davidson enthusiast, he found his ‘wind therapy’ on the open road, sharing many rides with his friends and especially enjoyed riding along with Shane. One of his last happy moments was taking part in the restoration of his beloved 1979 Harley Davidson Low Rider and basking in one final ride shortly before his passing. He was a member of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club.
Summers often found Skip and Sharon traveling to northern Michigan to spend time with friends and family, where he enjoyed fishing and swapping tall tales around the campfire. He was an excellent cook, unless it was Wednesday morning. Wednesdays were reserved for time with his closest friends over breakfast.
He was a devoted Cleveland Indians baseball fan, a Columbus Blue Jackets hockey fan- which he held season tickets to, and The Ohio State University Buckeyes football fan. He so wanted to see these teams win championships. His favorite hockey team, however, was whichever team his twin grandsons played for. He enjoyed cheering them on from the stands and was so proud of them.
He loved to share one of his favorite sayings, “It’s hard to soar with the eagles in the morning when you party with the turkeys all night.” Friends and family can confirm he usually delivered it with a grin and perfect timing. Skip’s quick wit, generous spirit, and big-hearted storytelling will be cherished and missed by the countless lives he touched. He may be gone, but his laughter and love will echo in our hearts forever.
On October 16, 1971, Skip married Sharon Kay (Viars) White and she survives along with their son: Shane (Caroline) White of Shelby; daughter: Sabrina (Steve) Heckathorne of Gahanna; grandchildren: Mercedes (Anthony) Gallagher- whose wedding Papaw proudly officiated, Carter Kessler (Diana Rodriguez), Triston White, Hayden White, Calliope White, Stuart Heckathorne, and Samuel Heckathorne; great grandchildren: Brayden, Harper, and Deacon; siblings, Perry Rusynyk of Willard and Tom (Joy) Rusynyk of Norwalk; sister-in-law: Brenda Eberly; and other relatives and friends. Skip was preceded in death by his parents: John and Marge (Pearce) Rusynyk; in-laws: Bill “Beardy” and Dody Viars; and his brother-in-law who died in infancy: Jerry. It is certain he is up in heaven with his special fur friend, his beloved dog, Opie.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 10:30 am. Pastor Dave Davenport will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Anyone wishing to ride their motorcycle in the funeral procession should know it is encouraged and welcomed. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church or Richland County Humane Society.
Condolences may be made on Skip’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Skip’s tribute video click here: Skip’s tribute video.
Dear Sharon and family. I was so sad to read of Skip passing. May God guide you through these difficult days. You have our deepest sympathies Winn & Karen Boyd
I am so sorry Sharon. Words cannot even express how sad I am for you. I’ve always loved you and your family and had the honor of babysitting Shane when he was a baby. You were my neighbor for years and you were so much fun. I love you guys And I hope you find comfort in the days ahead.
Dear Sharon , Sabrina and family, Shane and family. No words can express how much we loved Skip and what a dear friend he was. He will be deeply missed and I bet he is up there still joking around. Lifting you up in prayer through these difficult days ahead. Love Sal and Jim
Sharon, Shane, Sabrina and families,
We are so so very sorry to hear of Skip’s passing. May all the good memories and the times spent with him be a blessing and comfort to all of you.
– Marlene and Chris Adkins
Sharon and family So sorry for your loss. May God wrap his arms around all of you and bring peace and comfort
Sharon and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Skip’s passing. He will truly missed.
Hugs and love with Red, Shane, Sabrina their families and dear friends. Love you guys.
Sharon, Shane, Sabrina & families,
I am saddened to hear about Skip. He was a good guy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs to all.
Linda Kessler
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. May the love of friends and family bring you some comfort.
Sharon and Family,
May all your happiest memories keep you until you all meet again. Rest in Heaven Cousin Skip.
My sincerest condolences, Sharon and family. May your hearts be healed by the wonderful memories of Skip and the love he had for all of you.
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Skip. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
Skip was a truly special person- kind, genuine, and full of warmth. I always thought the world of him, and I feel grateful to have known him. His presence brought light to those around him, and I know his memory will continue to do the same.
Thought I cannot be there in person, please know my thoughts are with you all. I hope you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and in the many beautiful memories you shared with Skip.
With sympathy and love,
Luann Rusynyk
Sharon I am so sorry to hear Skip’s passing he was such a dear friend and gave such great hugs. He will be greatly missed. May God’s strength and love hold you up during this trying time.
Sharon, Shane, Sabrina, and family, we were saddened to hear of Skip’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Skip has left a hole in your hearts, but in time, it will be filled with happy memories. He’ll always be with you whenever you think of him.
Sharon, I heart goes out to you and your family. Please accept my sincere sympathy. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
SHARON…… Gary and I are so deeply sorry!! I hope your memories sustain you! Wish I could give you a hug!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sharon Sabrina Shane and families. I love you all and am so very sorry to hear of Skip passing. He was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed. I wish I could be there for all of you but I will be there in heart. God Bless all of you and know that he is there with you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The love of hockey brought us together and this amazing and loving family could always be counted on to bring the cheer! I’ll always cherish the memories, seeing this family pack together and know that Skip is and will forever be missed beyond words. So grateful for the time we had together. We are holding you all close to our hearts and surrounding you with thoughts of comfort and healing.
Sharon and family I don’t think I was more petrified in my life when Skip trained me going to Massachusetts and I didn’t know how to get there. He became a great friend and mentor to me. He will always be in my memories.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Sharon & family,
I was so very sorry to hear of Skip’s passing. My heart goes out to you. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With heartfelt condolences,
Paula Maier
Sharon and family, thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time. May your happy memories bring you peace and comfort .
Skips passing was a real shock my prayers for you and your family. I can just see Skip Mike and the ole man Joe laughing their fool heads off. I miss them all so much and all the fun we had back in the day. Love you!
Sharon and family we are saddened to hear of the passing of your Skip. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent to all of the family. Love to each of you.
We are so , so sorry to hear the news of Skip’s passing.We will treasure the many and wonderful.memories we all made together.Also we know we will all be together again according to the promises of our Lord.So for now we will say to Skip enjoy those streets of gold.May God give you all peace.
Sharon, Shane and Sabrina, I am do sorry to hear of Skips passing. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers thru this difficult time.
Sharon I am so very sorry to hear about Skip passing. He was a very nice man. I remember him greeting me at church.
Sharon, Sabrina and families, I am so sorry to read of Skips passing. Please know that Randy & I offer you our deepest condolences. May you find peace in your memories and comfort in your faith.
Sharon and family, Becky and I are so sad to hear of Skip’s passing. Skip always had that big smile whenever he met someone. Don’t forget all the good times you had. Love you all. Becky and Dick
Sharon my friend sorry to hear that Skip has passed been a long time since I last saw you but will always remember what our family’s shared in the past.
Dear Sharon and family, I was saddened to hear of Skips passing. I am sending all my prayers and love your way. I know how you will feel so please fill free to contact me at any time. All my prayers.
Sharon, Sabrina, Shane & family
So very sorry .. May Skip Rest Peacefully- May you each find peace, comfort and strength through our Lord above.
Love & Prayers,
Dave & Della Liller (& family)
Dear Sharon and family we are so sorry for the passing of Skip. We shared a lot of memories.. may God wrap his arms around you and your family….
Sharon and Family so….sorry to hear about Skip! Such a nice guy! Our hearts go out to you! God Bless and comfort you all during this difficult time! Sending love and prayers ❤️
Sharon and family. So very sorry for your loss! Skip was a great guy and will be greatly missed! Much love to you at this difficult time.
Duane and Lisa Roberts
Dear Sharon,
We’re so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Our condolences.
DEAT SHARON AND FAMILY WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF SKIPS PASSING SAW THE CYCLE ESCORT HE GOT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE BUT WAS WATCHING MYONLY GRAND CHILD(ARIEL) MARCH DURING HALF TIME AT LOGAN ELM GOD BE WITH YOU ALL