Howard "Howdy" White

Howard “Howdy” E. White, Jr., age 73, of Canal Winchester, died Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Grant Medical Center. Born January 2, 1948 in Orlando, FL to the late Howard E. & Rita Ann (Schneider) White, Sr., he was a 1967 graduate of Bishop Hartley High School and a graduate of Columbus State. He served in the U.S. Navy and was retired from the Columbus Division of Fire, where he was the Honor Guard Commander for 14 years. He was a member of VFW Post 495, a volunteer for Firefighters for Kids for 30 years, soccer, basketball, and baseball coach, and avid softball player and bowler. He was also a member and former usher at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jane (Wagenbrenner) White; children, Jeffrey White and Jennifer Belcher; grandchildren, Jacob White, Max White, Jace Belcher, and Jude Belcher; brother, John White; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by sister, Mary Virginia White; and brother, Jim White.
Howard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. Survived also by many dear friends and family. Howdy loved his family and his fire department family. He was a Hard Head who would argue night was day but was also the kindest hearted “Teddy Bear” you could meet. He loved life and people and will always be remembered for his stories about the CFD.
Friends may visit 4-8 pm Wednesday at the DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 550 Hill Road N. (St. Rt. #256), Pickerington. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:45 pm. Funeral Mass will be 12 noon on Thursday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 600 Hill Road N., Pickerington, with Fr. David Schalk, Celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are requested to the Columbus Firefighters Foundation, 379 W. Broad St., Columbus OH 43215.