11/19/2025
ROBERT JOHN WHITE
Robert John (Bob) White
1932-2025
Robert John White (Bob) entered into heavenly rest on November 9, 2025. His life was well-lived, dedicated to his family, faith, and service to his community.
Bob was born in Glennwood, Iowa on April 28, 1932, to John and Hazel White. The youngest of four siblings, Bob remained close to three sisters his whole life, and spent many family reunions singing, laughing, and telling stories with his sisters.
After graduating from Glennwood High School in 1949, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and was stationed in Othello, Washington. It was there that he met the first love of his life, Naoma Cox, and they were married on January 20, 1952. Following their wedding, Bob was stationed in Korea, then was discharged as Airman First Class on December 24, 1952, after recovering from a bout of polio.
In 1954, Bob and Naoma welcomed their daughter Pam, and moved to Pullman, where Bob attended Washington State College (now WSU). In 1958, Bob earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Technology. Bob would continue to bleed crimson and grey his whole life, and was proud to boast of his children and grandchildren who also attended WSU.
Bob’s degree led him to Prosser, where he was employed by Kraft Foods for 17 years, and later Milne Fruit and Ocean Spray Cranberries for 20 years. Bob was also a partner in a small fruit nursery from 1969-1981, and enjoyed all aspects of agriculture. Bob retired as General Manager of Ocean Spray in 1995.
Bob and Naoma were active members of the Prosser community, joining the Goofer Hoofers square dancing club, and singing and volunteering with the Prosser Methodist Church. Bob was also involved in the Boy Scouts program for 27 years, serving as a Scout leader. In 1966, Bob and Naoma welcomed their son Steve, and Bob enjoyed coaching youth baseball and assisting with Steve’s scouting programs. Bob was awarded the Silver Beaver award for his years of service with the Boy Scouts, and was proud to watch his son Steve and grandson Chris earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
Bob’s service to Prosser extended into many areas and organizations. He worked on the Prosser Planning Committee, was a city council member from 1973-1980, and served as mayor from 1980-1988. During his time as mayor, Bob was awarded the 1987 Prosser Outstanding Citizen award. Bob was also a member of Prosser’s Junior Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, United Good Neighbors, Cemetery Association, Whitehead Foundation, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans. Bob served as president of both Rotary and the Cemetery Association, was a counselor for Methodist Youth Fellowship, and was a constant presence at the schools’ Veterans’ Day assemblies. Bob was selected as the 2012 States Day Parade Grand Marshal, and could always be found tossing out candy at the Veterans’ Day Parade. In his later years, Bob volunteered at Jubilee Food Bank and helped raise money for the Boys and Girls Club. During his 93 years of life, Bob made a difference in his community and touched many people’s lives.
In his spare time, Bob golfed on a regular basis until he was 90, attended countless Prosser Mustangs games, and could always be found watching the Cougars or the Mariners on tv. He never seemed to meet a stranger, and was always making friends wherever he went.
Following the death of his beloved wife Naoma in 1990, Bob married the second love of his life, Glenna Anderson, on December 7, 1991, and they enjoyed traveling the world together during their 34 years of marriage. Throughout his life, family remained a top priority for Bob, and he always took time to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals. He adored his numerous nieces and nephews. Bob deeply loved his two children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, and through his marriage to Glenna, his family grew to include four bonus children, eight bonus grandchildren, and seven bonus great-grandchildren. He answered to the names Pop, Dad, Grandpa, Papa, Grandpa Bob, Uncle Bob, and Roberto Blanco, and, as one grandson put it, he always made you feel as though you were the only one in the room.
Bob White was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hazel White, first wife Naoma White, stepson Glen Anderson, sisters Genevieve Curry and Ruth Brake, and son-in-law Bill Williams, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Glenna White; daughter Pam Williams; son Steve (Sue) White; grandchildren Chris (Kristin) Williams, Jen (Jason) Don, Hannah and Drew White; great-grandchildren Helen and Patrick Williams, and Wyatt, Katie, and Merritt Don; sister Carol Flinn; stepson Kirk Anderson and his two children; Glen Anderson’s two daughters; stepdaughter Tricia Anderson and her three children; stepson Kelly (Dana) Anderson and their daughter; and numerous other family members.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, November 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Prosser Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at Prosser United Methodist Church at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Prosser United Methodist Church or Prosser Boys and Girls Club.
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