Elmer White

(From Clark Funeral Home)

James Elmer White, age 86, of Diamond, Missouri, went to be with his Lord on October 13, 2022, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family. He was born August 24, 1936, in Fairfield, Illinois, to the late Glen and Alice (Gubb) White. 

Elmer married his high school sweetheart Leila (Lowe) White, on December 30, 1959. He served in the United States Army Airborne from 1958-1961. He had 25 jumps while in the Army. 

After being honorably discharged from the Army, he moved his family to Missouri, where he worked several jobs before following the Lord's calling and becoming a preacher. Elmer preached for many years at Hilldale Baptist Church in Neosho, Missouri. 

Upon retiring, he joined the First Baptist Church in Diamond, Missouri, where he was an active member. He served many years as the active commander of the American Legion Post 431 in Diamond, Missouri.

In addition to his beloved wife of 62 years, he will be lovingly remembered by his children, Gary (Pam) White of Blue Springs, Missouri, Terry (Kelly) White of Joplin, Missouri, Barry (Catherine) White of Neosho, Missouri, LaDonna (David) Legg of Fairfield, Illinois; one foreign exchange student Jose Abraza of Chile; ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great grandsons; two brothers, Don White of Fairfield, Illinois, Larry (Kay) White of Sims, Illinois, and several nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister Doris White.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 17, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Diamond First Baptist Church in Diamond, Missouri. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Diamond First Baptist Church in Diamond, Missouri. Burial with full military honors conducted by the Missouri honors program will be held at Diamond Cemetery. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Jerry Shipman, Ron Badley, Jim Askins, Curt Brown, Don Gambill, Levi Henry. Noel Whitson, Bill Whitson, Ted Law, and Bob Johnson will serve as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the American Legion Post 431.