Dana John White, 72, passed away peacefully at home on September 25, 2026.
He loved to tell of his humble beginnings, born at home and educated in a two-room schoolhouse with an outdoor toilet until he started junior high school. He began working at age 15 to help with family finances. He was a proud graduate of Herbert Hoover High School, where he was an outstanding athlete in football, field and track, and continued his education at West Virginia State University.
He spent his career as a supervisor and certified millwright at Union Carbide Corporation/Bayer Science in Institute, West Virginia, where he was a dedicated employee, trusted union negotiator, and captain of the fire and rescue squad. After retirement, he worked as a special project consultant for E. I. Dupont Corporation.
He had a relaxed nature and was known for his sense of humor and quick wit. He loved his family deeply, and anything they wanted or needed, he made happen.
He was a wonderful father, actively involved in both of his sons’ lives, coaching Little League baseball, basketball and football teams and Elkview Middle School track.
He was president of his HOA for multiple terms, where greatly enjoyed the camaraderie and group accomplishments.
Endlessly resourceful, he could be found working on cars, riding his lawn tractor and being mechanically minded, could rapidly engineer solutions for most anything.
He was an innate troubadour and could entertain for hours with his harmonica and spontaneous self-created songs.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Naomi and Clayton White, Sr., sister Brenda, and brother Kevin.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years Terry Woodley White; sons Elliott and Andrew; brother Clayton White, Jr. (Mary Kay); sister Shelly Vickers (Dwaine); beloved granddaughter Cadence Elizabeth and many nieces, nephews and endeared, lifelong friends.
Service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday September 25, 2026 at Hafer Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Bias officiating. Burial will follow at Elk Hills Memorial Park in Elkview, West Virginia.
Visitation will be from 12 to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.
Online condolences may be left at haferfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview, West Virginia 25071
