John Ivan White
John Ivan White, age 62, of Shelby, died Sunday, October 27, 2019 at his home of unexpected natural causes.
John was born May 30, 1957 in Bucyrus, Ohio and was a 1975 graduate of Buckeye Central High School. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and, while serving, was a member of the powerlifting team which won the National Armed Forces Powerlifting Championship. John also served 16 years with the Ohio Air National Guard at the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base retiring at the rank of Captain.
John was a graduate of The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. His 30 plus year career in education with several school districts was primarily spent as an 8th grade science teacher, with most of his teaching years at Ontario Middle School from where he retired in 2017. Coaching was truly John’s passion and he often said that “he taught so he could coach.” John was proud to have started the strength and conditioning program at Ontario Schools and was fondly referred to as “Coach Skull.” He was happiest when he was coaching and creating strength and training plans for all sport programs and athletes, always leading with the motto, “The battle is won in the heart of the warrior.”
John loved all sports and was an avid fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes. He was a Harley rider most of his life until recently when he transitioned to Corvettes. John was also a proud member of the NRA and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Crestline.
John is survived by his wife, Julie G. (Hartings) White whom he wed on April 6, 2013; 2 children: Joshua White and Christin White both of Naples, FL; 2 grandchildren: Myles White and Henry White; 3 step-daughters: Macie Korbas, Ellie Korbas, and Claire Korbas; his mother and step-father: Lois and Bobby Manderson of Lexington; 4 siblings: Bonnie (Ned) Belcher of Ontario, Don (Lote) White of Nebraska, Connie Rowland of Mansfield, and Charles (Beth) White of Pennsylvania; his in-laws: Leo and Beverly Hartings of Shelby; an aunt: Dolores Sharrock of Crestline; Julie’s brothers and sisters; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. His father, Ronald Emerson White, preceded him in death.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, November 1, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where a prayer service will be held at 8 pm. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 331 N Thoman Street, Crestline, Ohio 44827. Fr. Chris Bohnsack will celebrate the mass and burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to John’s family to go toward an assistance fund to be established for area students for strength and conditioning training.
To share a memory or express a condolence, please visit: www.PenwellTurner.com
i had mr white in 3rd, 4th, and part of 5th grade. he was one of my favorite teachers so for me this was really hard. i remember in technology, if we were good in class that day, he’d give us a lifesaver to have after class. that was one of my favorite things. or when he let us play games on the computers. i spread my condolences to his family. prayers
Mr. White left a mark on me. I was at Ontario a short time, and it was the beginning of the toughest time in my life. His class was a place I could relax, expect him to make me laugh with his teasing jokes, and set me up for success with my college career. I never knew excel would be hard but important, and he was the only one that ever worked with me on it. Maybe he knew it meant a lot to me when he teased and helped me relax, but I never told him how much his teaching helped me when I recently saw him. However, I was so happy to get to catch up and see his happy face again! Seeing him coach was pretty awesome as well. He always was proud from my point of view. I’m keeping all of his family and friends in my prayers and feel absolutely heart broken for all of you. Rest easy Mr. White!
Words cannot express our sincerest condolences to John’s (Mr. White) family. I thank God for the opportunity that I had just a few weeks ago to talk with him for over an hour on the telephone. He was in such good spirits and mentioned several times how happy he was with his family, life and the things he was currently involved in. What a shock it was to hear of his passing. Having lost my father at 61, I know all too well what his children and family are going through. May God bless and be with you all during this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dan Zeiter and family
Julie, I’m very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May he Rest In Peace.
I got acquainted with Mr. White during p/t conferences for Christin. This I know he truly loved his children and had their best interests at heart. I am so sorry for your great loss Christin and family
John White was a hero.He was a father to those who taught and a big brother to his peers. John was a stand-up man. He would fight for the rights of all and hold to the truth for the oppressed. He called evil, “Evil” and good, “Good.” He let his voice be heard and did not remain anonymous. John White, I call to you now and say the world will not be the same without you. You will be sorely missed. You’re bravery and courage are unparalleled and no amount of words could say how you were loved by so many!
John was a fellow officer in the Ohio Air National Guard and was a consistent Christian, good officer, and loving family man. His encouragement to others and leadership left an impression on me. I wish the best for his family and I am so sorry to all who knew and loved him for this loss. He left a mark of loving kindness.
Valerie Hazard Mueck
To the White family, my heart is heavy for you all, as I went through this with my family one year ago with my father. Josh and Christin, I didn’t really know you all that well growing up in school since you were older, but I really enjoyed having your dad as a teacher and a coach. So many great memories with Skull White. You knew when he was about to crack some skulls in the weight room when you heard the sound of his Harley Davidson a mile down the road.
There are going to be times you will feel yourself get confused, annoyed, questioning why. But don’t let it steal your joy and the memories you guys have with your dad.
A guy at my church shared this with me, I hope it helps you guys too; “Remember, you’ve only lost something when you don’t know where it is”.
I won’t be able to make it, but I hope you guys will have a wonderful turnout.
Lifting your family up in Prayer. Really appreciate your Dad’s no nonsense approach to life. Taught me a lot with his science class it was always about trying and if you fail try another way and don’t give up. Always looked forward to his class to de-stress @ OMS.
Christin, I am so sorry to read of your sudden loss. Condolences to and prayers for you and your mother.
Julie and Family,
I’m so saddened to hear of John’s passing. Prayers for comfort and peace in the coming days. May John rest in the peace of Christ.
Sara Tuemler-Dikes
Saw Mr. White a week ago in the Hobby Lobby parking lot, he called me over to his truck to tell me how proud he was of things I’m doing these days. It’s like God wanted me to see him again. Big thanks to Coach White for pushing me in the locker room year round since I was in 7th grade!! Rest in Heaven.
Julie and family, I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Both my children had him as a teacher at Ontario and loved him! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this extremely difficult time!
I seen John a few weeks ago he was waiting for Julie to join him….
It was great having a few moments with him catching up on a few things…as soon as I seen him I was WOW I miss you both.So heart breaking for everyone in his life.Julie it hurts to know your world will be forever changed…. we know John is now living his faith that he shared with others..REST IN PEACE JOHN WHITE….I feel confident our Lord said WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVENT
Julie, So sorry to hear of John’s passing I feel bad that I cannot be there for either the calling hours or the funeral because of the November 1st Holy Day of Obligation and all of my Masses. Know that I will be praying for John and you and the rest of the family
He was my tech teacher at the Elementary. He was always so kind and funny. He always made me laugh and I absolutely loved going into his class. I feel deeply sorry for the pain his family must be going through. Rest in Peace “Skull”
I had Mr. White in the 5th grade for technology. He would always make the class laugh. He was a very funny person. I was devastated to receive the news this weekend. I saw him the Friday before his death at the Ontario football game. It pains me to know he is gone. I am just glad he went in a peaceful way and dodnt have to go through pain of any medical conditions. My condolences to the White family. Rest in peace “skull”
Julie, I am so sorry. Losing your husband is a very hard thing. I pray for your strength in the upcoming days and to the family. May God bless you with his peace and love.
I am very sorry for your loss, Christin. I remember talking with your dad at Pioneer several times. You are his legacy. He will rest peacefully knowing he has you to carry his memory live through his love and his teachings as your parent.
Julie and family,
I was shocked and saddened by your sudden loss of John. He will be missed by each student he has guided in his teachings, coaching, and mentoring.
I want to thank you John White, one more time, for your many years of service…will miss seeing both, you and Julie out for Veteran’s Day! I heard a story of John’s kind heart, that he would give the shirt off his back, of which he did litterally (John just took his shirt off, at a game, upon being asked where he had gotten the awesome Ontario shirt he had on). May his kindness, and all his awesome qualities, be remembered and live on in the loved ones he has left behind. Remember the happy jokes in John’s wake, as he would not want for you to cry, but to laugh and think only of the good times. Rest in peace dear John, until God reunites us all!
Love you Julie and family!
He was a genuine and down-to-earth guy. One of my very favorite teachers and it was always fun to run into him around town after graduating. He will be largely missed and remembered fondly.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Keeping you all in our prayers and hoping you find comfort in the wonderful life he lived.
Miss Julie and family, My deepest condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
“To have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever.” -Albus Dumbledore