Norris John 'Jack' White

Norris John ‘ Jack’ White

November 21, 1922 ~ March 17, 2014

Norris John ‘Jack’ White, age 91, of Montrose, Colorado died March 17, 2014 at Heidi’s Chateau in Montrose.  Jack was born November 21, 1922 to Frank Forest and Audrey (Green) White in Ames, Colorado.  He spent his childhood in Ames, Rico and Telluride, Colorado, and graduated from Telluride High School.  At the age of 19, Jack enlisted in the United States Navy, the day after Pearl Harbor and was honorably discharged as a Signalman Third Class in December 1946.  He married Wilma Hazel Claybaugh on August 7, 1946 in Walnut Creek California, and she preceded him in death on May 7, 1995 in Denver, Colorado. 

Jack was Owner and Operator of a family grocery store, ”White’s Mercantile” for 37 years prior to his retirement.  His adult life was spent in Norwood, Colorado where he resided for many years.

Jack enjoyed the outdoors, fly fishing, gardening, walking and spending time with his family.  He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease.  Jack will be missed by his family.

Surviving family members include his sons Frank White of Delta, Colorado and Jeffery White of Roswell, New Mexico; daughters Jackie (Allen) Culver of Montrose and Melissa (Robert) Bray of Redvale, Colorado; one sister Merdese White of Olathe, Colorado; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  Jack was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Bonnie Forest White, sister Melly White, wife Wilma White and son Timothy White.  Memorial contributions may be made to Heidi’s Chateau, c/o Frank Martinez, 2720 Sunnyside Rd., Montrose, Co. 81401.    A celebration of life will be held in the summer at Trout Lake with inurnment to follow in the Norwood Cemetery, Norwood, Colorado.  Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colorado.