Edward Eugene (Gene) White, 84, was welcomed into the arms of God on January 31, 2023. Gene was born June 16, 1938 to Richard (Hugh) and Mary Cromer White in Mound City, KS. In his youth, the family moved to Overland Park and operated the Wolverine Dairy at 85th and Metcalf. He attended Shawnee Mission High School and Rockhurst College. He married Ursula Gastreich and had five children. He spent his career as an owner and operator of the family business, the successful and well-loved White Haven Motor Lodge.
Gene would be described as full of life, always with a cheery smile, and eager to embrace a good time. He loved spending time with family and friends, and was always ready for a good laugh.
Gene was an avid global traveler, sharing his adventurous spirit with his children and grandchildren. He also raised and raced quarter horses, and thoroughly loved cheering them on with family and friends. He named at least one horse after his wife and each of his children. He was an active parishioner of the Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, having been a founding member and attending QHR school in its opening year. A devout Catholic, he sent all of his children to QHR and to Catholic secondary education. He was very generous and charitable, always lending a helping hand to those in need, including building a home for young girls and women in India.
Gene is survived by his four children, Erica Garrett, Angela Brill, Monica Westhoven (Steve), and Alex
White (Bridget). He leaves his adored eight grandchildren – Brandon, Nick, Eric, Faith, Mitch, Colin, Alex and Libby, and great-grandson Lachlan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ursula, and his son, Jerome Christian.
Gene will be dearly missed by his family and friends. The family suggests memorial donations to Queen of the Holy Rosary Church and the City Union Mission.
Services will be on Saturday, February 4th at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church 6925 W. 71st. St. Overland Park, KS. 66204. A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30am, with a visitation from 9:45 – 10:30am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial.
After the Mass, friends and family are invited to attend a luncheon at the church followed by Inurnment at 1:00pm at Johnson County Memorial Gardens.
Angela. I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I will be praying for you and your family.
I remember Gene from my many stays at the Whitehaven. Gene would brush off the snow on my car. Once helping me change a flat tire. Bringing me coffee and donuts to my room. The service was awesome. So sorry to hear about his passing.
Monica, I am so sorry. Very grateful to him for raising a woman who has made our family greater than we could have ever imagined. Im sure you made him proud how you raised your family and supported your husband. I wish I had met him. Maybe you can tell me about him next time we meet. Please extend my condolences to your children and family
To Erica and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your father, a truly great man! Knowing Gene was a to know a man that was loving and giving in all ways and funny as all get out! God broke the mold when He made Gene! Always a laugh and smile and a terrific dancer! I learned that from times with him at the Queen’s Social Club! God bless your family and give you peace and comfort knowing Gene is in Heaven♡
To Erica and family,
Gene was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. I was sorry to hear of his passing. I will always remember his positive attitude. He was a mentor and a friend. May he rest in God’s peace.