Our beloved Lynn Edward White passed away in Boise, Idaho, on June 29th, 2024. Lynn was born in Buffalo, NY, on May 20, 1941, to Betty Jane Schultz (deceased) and Russell Harold White (deceased). He had one older brother, Terry White, and one younger sister, Judy White (deceased). He attended Hutchison Central Tech High School in Buffalo, NY, where he graduated at age 17. While in high school, he was a smart and an athletic young man. Even at his young age, he was eager to serve and protect his country. He quickly enlisted in the United States Navy in January 1959. He was stationed at the Naval Hospital in St. Albans, Long Island, NY. This is where he met his sweetheart, Joyce Sackett. The two quickly fell in love. Lynn was 20 at the time, so Joyce always loved to tell the story about how, before they got married, they needed permission from Lynn’s parents. They were married on June 3, 1961. Later, their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint on August 11, 1970. This ignited Lynn's love and devotion to the Lord. He and Joyce were proud members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, Lynn and Joyce had four children: Cheri Lyn Pulliam, Russell Charles White, Lori Renee Boyenger, and Catherine Elizabeth Aggson. Their family has grown to an incredible 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren (with one more on the way!). He was always so excited to welcome new members into the family and could always be found holding and snuggling the new grand and great-grand babies. Lynn served as a Corpsman in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1978 (20 years active duty) and from 1978 to 1988 (10 years reserve duty). Lynn lived a typical, busy military life and uprooted the family to move at least 10 times. Lynn spoke often of his time in the service and the sacrifices he made to serve his country. Lynn was honorably discharged for retirement on August 7, 1978, having achieved the rank of Chief Hospital Corpsman. He was a recipient of a purple heart due to when he served one year of duty in Vietnam, most notably, he was there during the Tet Offensive. The White family moved from North Carolina (Camp Lejuene Marine Corps Base) to Boise, Idaho, in 1975. Boise was Lynn's last move, and it was where they could finally ground the family permanently. In 1988, he enrolled at Boise State University and studied criminal justice. He proudly received his BA in criminal justice with honors. He later worked at the Idaho Department of Corrections as the Medical Director in Maximum Security. He participated in a variety of clubs and organizations and had many awards and achievements under his belt. He was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America organization. He participated in Dutch oven-cooking contests. He was an avid bowler for many, many years and a huge fan of the Buffalo Bills and the Boise State Broncos football teams. He also loved to golf and play baseball. Lynn was understandably heartbroken when Joyce passed away on Valentine's Day, 2020. Lynn was her primary caregiver during the time preceding her death. He never left her side and honored all of her wishes. It was important to him that he keep her spirit alive. He did this by talking about her often and sharing stories of their travels and adventures. He talked about the two of them traveling to Leavenworth, Washington, road trips to the Oregon and Washington coasts, and the occasional weekend getaway to Jackpot. He made sure he continued his and Joyce’s family traditions, like showing up to holiday celebrations with a banana and chocolate cream pie from Marie Calendars and his famous shrimp salad. They never missed a family member's annual birthday card when Joyce was still alive, and he continued to sign them “Love Poppi (and Mimi)” after she passed. He reminded the grandkids and great-grandkids how loved they were by their Mimi. He generously helped his family when he was able to, remembering tougher times for him and Joyce raising four children while in the service. In the end, Lynn was a loyal and loving family man. He was so proud of all of his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. He was always present for and supportive of their unique and diverse accomplishments. His family will remember his passion for family, his country, and God. They will remember celebrating holidays together. They will remember his Department 56 Christmas collection, his tapioca pudding, and spoiling all of the little ones. He will be deeply missed by many, but we have peace knowing that he is reunited with his beautiful wife, whom he loved and adored.
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