Willard E. White

Willard E. White, 75, of 1645 West Park Avenue, Canton, Ohio, died suddenly surrounded by family on Monday, February 23, 2009, at 9:38 p.m. at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital. Mr. White was born June 16, 1933, in Zanesville, a son of the late Everett O. and Marian Bendure White. He attended elementary school in Frankfort, Indiana, began high school at Culver Military Academy in Indiana, and graduated from Lash High School in Zanesville in 1951. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio in 1955 and began a career spanning more than 50 years, beginning with Halliburton Services Company. He formed W.E. White petroleum consulting firm in 1962. In addition, he served as Vice President of Atlas Energy Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, President and CEO of Resource Exploration in Canton, Ohio, President of Belden and Blake Corporation in North Canton, Ohio and a board member of Belden and Blake International, and acting President of IPSCO Drilling Company of Sheffield, Pennsylvania. Until recently, he was a petroleum consultant in western New York state. Mr. White was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, International Association of Drilling Contractors, the Ohio and Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Associations, IOGA of Pennsylvania and New York, New York Oil Producers Association, the Masonic Lodge 726 F&AM, and served as director on the boards of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association and of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York. He was profiled in Who's Who in Finance and Industry and had publications on drilling and completion practices in Ohio. Willard was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Warren, Pennsylvania where he served on the finance committee. His life will be cherished by his loving wife, Phyllis Ann Wilson White, of the home; a son, Eric White of Canton, Ohio; two daughters, Wendy (Dan) Croyle of Clarks Mills, Pennsylvania and Dr. Lori (Matt) White Parrish of Chardon, Ohio; 3 grandchildren, Lindsay, Alex and Maristella, all of Chardon, Ohio; two borthers, twin brother, Warren O. (Shirley) White of Ekalaka, Montana and Jack (Judy) White of La Jolla, California; a sister, Beverly (Barney) Richards of Nashport, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Rosemary White of Rodanthe, North Carolina; and by numerous nieces, nephews and many special friends and associates. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William White and a nephew, Michael White, both of Rodanthe, North Carolina. A private memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2009 at the Grace United Methodist Church, 516 Shinnick St., Zanesville. Burial will follow at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, the wishes of Willard and his family are that you take a moment to help someone in need. God Bless.