Marion Francis White passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at the age of 89. He was born in Perryville, Kentucky on April 5, 1932. He was the only son of the late Thelma Pittman and Walter Francis “Jack” White and widower of Alice Burke White.

Marion graduated from Perryville High School in 1950. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts, with a minor in Chemistry, from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in 1954 and a Master of Arts degree in political science from Morehead University in 1977.

Upon graduating from EKU, Marion was commissioned into the United States Army as a Field Artillery officer. He went on to become an Army aviator and served two combat tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, retiring from active-duty service after 22 years at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Subsequently, Marion pursued a second career as a high school teacher. He taught science, chemistry, geography, social studies, and industrial arts at Boyle County High School for 20 years.

Marion enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as playing bridge and the dulcimer. He played with Madison Dulcimers from 2006-2019. Marion was a larger-than-life figure, as those knew him will readily attest. He touched many lives in his nearly nine decades on Earth. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Marion is survived by his son, Michael White, his daughter-in-law, Virag White, his companion, Nancy Dahl, and two sisters, Mildred White Ellis and Mary Helen White Cooley. Marion was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Burke White, his daughter, Suzanne Chloe White, and his sister, Carolyn White Foster.

The funeral service is set for 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at the Walden Funeral Home in Perryville with Brian Lucas officiating. Burial will follow at 12:30 PM at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Jessamine County. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Walden Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Charles Ellis, Jarel Portman, Walter Foster, Jeff Glasscock, Leon Stocksdale, Josh Wilkerson, Jason Burke, and Dennis Curtsinger. Honorary pallbearers will be Monte Owens and Jesse Purdy.

Contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project will be welcomed by the family, in lieu of flowers.