James Donald White

James Donald White, 85, of Robinson, IL, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2014. He was born to the late Oscar and Leafy White, October 1, 1928 in Hardinville, IL. Don graduated from Robinson Township High School in 1946. He and wife Lorena (Weger) White have lived in Robinson, IL since they were married. In 1946, Don was a member of the 82nd airborne division in the Army. He then went on to work for Heath Candy Company (Hershey) from 1947- 1991. He began at Heath as a “platform sweeper”, but quickly was promoted to a milk route and eventually to a retail salesman for ice cream and Sales Supervisor in 1952. As one of the youngest Sales Supervisors, he expanded the distribution’s range significantly and was subsequently promoted to Sales Manager of both Candy and Franchise divisions. After several years he was asked to be in charge of product development and was instrumental in using broken heath candy bars for what was eventually called a “Blizzard” specifically with Dairy Queen. This market grew quickly and by 1989, Heath was sold to LEAF where he continued to work until retirement in 1991. By that time he had travelled to Japan, England, Germany on business and made many lifelong friends both here and abroad. Don continued his involvement with Heath after his retirement and donated many artifacts to the Heath Museum. Don was an active member with Cra-Wa-La for over 20 years. He served as president of this organization providing one-on-one mentoring with “at-risk” youth in Crawford, Wabash and Lawrence counties. In 1997, Don was awarded Terre Haute’s Volunteer of the Month for his service with this organization. He also volunteered for the Food Pantry, LAN, Summer Food Program, Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, and Missionary Agent and served as treasurer on the Robinson Airport for several years. Don is survived by his wife Lorena Weger White; brothers, Paul and wife Peggy of Coffeen, IL, Ed and wife Pat of Robinson, Hugh and wife Celeste of Annapolis, IL; sister, Louise and Donald Williamson; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Mike Beard of Robinson, daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Mario Martinez of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Wade and Jamie Shimer of Plainfield, IL, Lindsay and Brad Gnade of New Lenox, IL, Meagan Martinez of Houston, TX, Kyle Shimer of Lombard, IL, Camron and Alyvea Beard of Glendale Heights, IL; great-grandchildren, Natalie and Dylan Gnade of New Lenox, IL, and Stella Shimer of Plainfield, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Leafy White, sister, Irma Jean White (1954), and granddaughter, Deanna Martinez (1992). A celebration of Don's life will start with visitation on Friday, May 2nd from 4-7 p.m. at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3rd at the funeral home, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine to officiate the service. Burial will follow in the Robinson New Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cra-Wa-La (website: ) or to the Robinson Food Pantry, with envelopes available at the funeral home.