ANDERSON – Wendell Lee Dwain White, age 79, of Anderson, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at Rawlins House in Pendleton after a good, long life.
He was born Jan. 17, 1944, in Willow Shade, Ken., the son of Robert G. and Alice A. (Norris) White. He lived in Madison County nearly all his life.
Wendell graduated in 1962 from Walnut Grove High School south of Elwood. He worked as a well-known mechanic for more than 40 years in Madison County and formerly was the chief mechanic at Sears Service Center in Anderson for many years.
Wendell attended the Eastview Church of the Nazarene in Anderson.
Wendell loved spending time outdoors. Throughout his life, he enjoyed fishing, camping and annual trips to Talladega with a great group of fellow racing friends.
Wendell was well-known for playing Santa Claus at both the Mounds Mall in Anderson and Markland Mall in Muncie. He loved seeing smiles on children’s faces. Wendell had a unique way of knowing how to help children in need. Some children needed a home; others needed someone to listen to them; and some just needed a friend. He was friendly to everyone he met.
Wendell loved his family more than anything in the world and he will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Wendell’s family includes three children, Christy (Gary) Boyland, Mary (Chris) Israel and James “Jim” (Tammy) White, all of Elwood; loving companion of many years, Jan Tremaine of Anderson; three bonus children, Dan (Sheryl) Tremaine of Anderson, Julie (Brian) Bass of Alexandria and Iam Tremaine of Chesterfield; five siblings, Robert (Barbara) White of Anderson, Marcella (Tom) Maxey of Anderson, Jean Carson of Anderson, Earl White of Anderson and Dave (Arlene) White of Elwood; five grandchildren, Andy (Valerie) Boyland, Greg (Caitlin) Boyland, Ashley (Seth) North, Jessica Israel and Katie Israel; eight greatgrandchildren, Tori Shepard, Kenzi, Isabelle and Maggie Boyland, Wes, Noah and Karoline Sorg, and Lillian Scott; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Marcus White.
A funeral service celebrating Wendell’s life will be at 6 p.m. Monday, March 6, 2023, at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with his daughter, Christy Boyland officiating.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday prior to the funeral at the funeral home.
Cremation will follow the services.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.
