Sonora – Douglas Wayne White, 70 of Sonora, CA passed away in his home on July 2, 2018.
Doug was born on August 23, 1947, in Visalia, CA to Winfred and Dorothy White. Upon graduating from Woodlake High School in 1965, he attended the College of the Sequoias before enlisting in the Army. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served 2 tours of duty from 1967-1969.
In 1970, Doug married the love of his life, Linda Wallen and went to work for the County of Tulare – Road Department for 6 years before joining the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection where he worked for 30 years as a Heavy Fire Equipment Operator and taught at the CDF academy, retiring in 2005. He was a member of the Sonora Elks, Sons in Retirement, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled Veterans Assistance, the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans.
Doug enjoyed reading, hunting, golfing and especially fishing at his favorite pond at the Johnson’s Ranch, courtesy of the Johnson Family, where he spent time with his children, grandchildren and many other friends and family along the way who called him “grandpa.”
Doug is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda and their sons Marc White (Shandy Watson and children), Aaron White (Hava White), sister Janet White-Johnson (Bruce Johnson), grandchildren Vincent White, Benjamin White and Brock White.
He is preceded in death by his parents and grandson Cory Douglas White.
Doug was best known for his love of sharing stories about his life and engaging conversation about history and working for the fire department. He was a best friend, devoted father, and husband and loving grandpa, who touched the hearts of all who met him.
Pastor Tom Sharpe of St. Matthews Lutheran Church will be leading services on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at 10 AM at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia, CA 93277. Interment service will immediately follow at Tulare Cemetery, 900 E. Kern Ave., Tulare, CA 93274.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Sonora Area Foundation, 362 S. Stewart St., Sonora, CA 95370, for the Cory D. White Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to graduating High School seniors. Condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com
Published in Tulare Advance-Register & Visalia Times-Delta on July 7, 2018