Robert (Bob) Lee White

Our very witty, grumpy, German Patriarch, Robert (Bob) Lee White, passed away at the age of 90 on August 2, 2025, at The Crossing at Clarity in Baton Rouge, La. He was born on August 24, 1934, in McKees Rock, Pennsylvania to Calvin Frank White and L. Emma Schwartz White.

He led a varied and full life. He earned his Eagle Scout by the age of 14 with 35 merit badges attaining the Order of the Arrow by 16. He played clarinet in high school - going on to play in the Carnegie Tech marching band, finishing his second year with the wearing of the Scottish Kilts. Enlisting in the Army after his 2nd year, he served 3 years during the Korean War, by training men on the Nike Ajax Ground to Air Missiles system, which was the precursor to the Patriot System of today. He was an avid and expert marksman in Rifle Shooting - setting a new National Civilian record in Michigan in 1967 which stood for many years. He competed in the Pan American games and qualified to try out for the 1968 Olympic games. He traveled extensively before and after his retirement from BASF as Regional Control Manager of the Southern Plant in Geismar, LA. During his lifetime he visited all the U.S. states, nearly every National Park in the U.S., and all the providences of Canada. He traveled quite a bit overseas and visited many countries both for work and for vacations. His many hobbies included teaching himself to play golf, taxidermy, woodturning, and lapidary. He built furniture, including an organ and a grandfather clock, bookcases, nightstands and a china cabinet.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of 31 years, G. Jean Lease White, his second wife of 30 years, Mary D. Hebert White, a nephew Roman Piccirrilli and a daughter-in-law Christen H. Hebert.

He is survived by his sister Donna W. Piccirrilli of Reno, Nevada, nephews Gino and Ricardo, and niece Cheryl, a sister Eunice Shekell of California, two daughters, Karen W. Lessard (Eric) and Pamela A. White, son Eric R. White (Christine), three stepsons Mark B. Hebert (Terry), Melvin B. Hebert (Susan) and Matthew B. Hebert (Lisa Brochard). Grandchildren Amelia Conard (Josh), Rachel Lessard, Natalie White, Ryan White, Brody R. White, Noah Hebert, Christina Jones (Corey), Sharon Byerly (Joe), Benjamin Hebert (Jacklyn), Michael Hebert and Jordyn Hebert. Great-Grandchildren Aeryn, Clara, Emma, Luke, Jane, Anera and Connor.

Graveside services will be at the Port Hudson National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, with visitation afterwards at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the National Park Conservation Association, The NRA Foundation, or a charity of your choice.