Frank White

Frank White was born on January 18, 1935, in Perkins, Oklahoma, to Lawrence and Emma White. Shortly after Frank was born, the family relocated to Buttonwillow, CA, and in 1949, they settled in Bakersfield, CA. He was the third of twelve children. Frank attended Buttonwillow Elementary School and later Kern County High School. He enrolled in the armed forces as a Marine in 1953 and was later honored to take an honor flight to Washington DC with his nephew Linn Christopher and special friend Chuck Anderson, who gave him special treatment and a beautiful tour of the city. Frank landed his first and only job with Haddad Dodge Car Sales of Bakersfield, CA, where he was employed for over 55 years.

Frank was often seen smiling and patronizing with customers in the lot. He knew a lot about cars and not to mention owned many Dodges in his lifetime.

Frank fell in love with Polly White, and after a nine-year courtship, they got married on May 5, 1972. Together, they raised three beautiful daughters named Phyliss, Brenda, and Marilyn. Frank and Polly were inseparable, and if you saw Polly, you could bet that Frank was not far behind. She would often say, "come on, Frank" or "make room for Frank." They remained faithful to each other until Polly passed away on January 10, 2022, and reunited with the Lord.

In 1957, Frank joined St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church, which was led by the late Dr. Lee Anthony. Frank was actively involved in the church and later became an usher, a title he respected. Although he was typically a quiet man, when he spoke, everyone knew he meant business. During his free time, Frank enjoyed eating good food, with his favorites being fried fish and Polly's famous spaghetti. 

He also loved spending time with his brothers, nephews, and cousins, playing cards and sharing stories. In his retirement, he spent a lot of time planning and traveling to visit his sister June and her husband Alvin in Las Vegas, Nevada. Frank had a great appreciation for music, and although he wasn't much of a dancer, he would light up and give the biggest smile if one of his favorite songs, such as "Misty Blew," came on, and his feet would start to tap and you knew that he was enjoying himself.

Frank will be deeply missed by his family, friends and his church. He remained faithful and always sat on the left side of the church on the third row most Sundays. He rarely missed church and his absence will be felt for sometime. However, rest assured he is now reunited with the love of his life and in the arms of our Heavenly Father.

Frank White is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Emma White brothers Larry, Carl Douglas, Jimmy, Leonard, sisters Blanche, Louella, Ella Mae and Wilma. He leaves to cherish memories and to celebrate his life brothers Lawrence, James Eddie (LaShawn), brother-in-law Curly Carlisle, sister June (Alvin), three daughters, Marilyn (Ron) Jackson, Brenda Mac Niven and Phyliss Norwood. Grandchildren Jarmeshia (Stanton) Roberts, Daniece Jones, Cameron Arnold and Rashaun Norwood, five great grandchildren, Parris, Khaleel, Nylah, Jaxon and Jianna, God Daughter Lamesha Gutierrez and a host of family members and church family.

Pallbearers

Desmond Rufus Sam Rufus

Derrick Rufus

James Rufus

Alvin Cooper

Lawrence White

Honorary Pallbearers

Stanton Roberts

Steven James

Jamaal Chase

Cameron Arnold

Ronnie Dixon

Robert Whitmore