Donald Ray White

December 9, 1939 – June 1, 2026

Donald Ray White was born on December 9, 1939, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to Charley A. White and Ruby Mae White. He was raised on a cattle ranch in Bald Hill, Oklahoma, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for agriculture, livestock, and the outdoors. He graduated from Twin Hills High School and went on to attend Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

In 1960, while driving around with a friend, Don noticed a U.S. Navy recruitment poster that would ultimately change the course of his life. He enlisted in the United States Navy and earned his wings in 1962. During his military service, he completed two tours aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk and accumulated more than 100 carrier landings while flying the Grumman E-1B Tracer, affectionately known as the "Willie Fudd," an airborne radar surveillance aircraft. Don served with distinction and was honorably discharged in 1965 with the rank of Lieutenant.

While stationed in Pensacola, Florida, Don met the love of his life, Sandra Lou White. The two were married on October 7, 1961, in Stilwell, Oklahoma, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades.

Following his naval service, Don, Sandra, and their young son moved to Farmers Branch, Texas, where Don joined Braniff International Airways in 1965. Based at Dallas Love Field in Dallas, Texas, he built a successful aviation career and later became a Captain flying the Boeing 727. In 1972, the family relocated to Krum, Texas, where Don pursued another passion by establishing a Simmental cattle operation that eventually encompassed more than 1,000 acres, approximately 300 head of cattle, and 10 Quarter Horses. He took early retirement from Braniff in 1982 as a respected airline captain.

Never one to slow down, Don combined his entrepreneurial spirit with his love of automobiles by opening Don White Pontiac-Buick-GMC in Ardmore, Oklahoma, in 1982. He successfully owned and operated the dealership for a decade before selling the business in 1992. Don and his family then returned to North Texas, settling in Denton, where he continued investing in real estate and pursuing his many interests.

Don was an avid fisherman, hunter, cattleman, and horseman. He possessed a remarkable curiosity about the world and was known as a gifted storyteller, philosopher, engineer, mentor, and friend. His wisdom, humor, and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and family man whose greatest pride was the life he built with Sandra and their family.

Don passed away on June 1, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra; his son, Donald R. White, Jr. and wife Anne; his daughter, Sonja Morrell; his grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

His legacy of service, hard work, integrity, and love for family will continue to live on in the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, June 8, 2026 in the chapel of Mulkey-Bowles-Montgomery Funeral Home, 705 N. Locust St., Denton, TX.