Jerome Jon White

Jerome Jon White, 74, veteran at the Talihina Veterans Center passed away on Tuesday, July 26th, 2022. He was born on November 27th, 1947 to Horace and Ina Helen (Anderson) White in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Jerome loved life and had many wonderful experiences. As a youngster he helped his dad at White’s Auto Glass and the farm working cows, occasionally riding one name Baby Doll, he raced quarter midgets, rode horses, and motorcycles. He was in the Boy Scouts of America for many years. Jerome graduated from Muskogee Central High School, class of 1966. He was a member of the Pride of Muskogee Marching Band, GO ROUGHERS! He furthered his education at Indian Capital Area Vo-Tech-Certified Optician, class of 1972, A.S. Medical at Bacone College, class of 1980, FEMA Emergency Management Institute-Certified Multi-Death Disaster Coordinator, class of 1987, B.S. Mortuary Science/Funeral Service/Embalmer at the University of Central Oklahoma, class of 1990. He proudly served his country in the US Navy, submarine service from 1968-1970 aboard the USS Nautilus (SSN 571), the world’s first nuclear powered submarine, New London, Connecticut. “I feel the urge...the urge to submerge!” Jerome worked many occupations over the course of his life including optician at Frye Optical Lab from 1972-1973 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, sound and lighting engineer at White Light and Sound Co. (owner) from 1974-1976 in Austin, Texas, chemical blender at National Supply Company from 1982-1984 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, licensed funeral director and embalmer at Mayes Funeral Directors from 1985-1999 in Norman, Oklahoma and Lions Eye Bank (Sterile Eye Enucleation), Red Cross Tissue (Skin, Bone Marrow) Retrieval Technician until retiring in 2000. He also served during the aftermath of the Oklahoma City Murrah Building Bombing, which of course changed him forever. He loved music and was a fine musician, able to play almost any instrument. While running his business in Austin he had many clients including Willie Nelson and Doug Sahm. He was also asked by Willie Nelson to be on stage during the first taping of Austin City Limits. Jerome grew to love Talihina, the Center, the staff and many of the residents, he called the area ‘Heaven’s Doorstep’. Jerome was a force to be reckoned with in our fight to keep the Talihina Veterans Center open as a member of the Save the Talihina Veterans Center Group. He also served on the local Veterans Council and was responsible for having speed bumps installed on the center’s streets. Jerome loved the Lord and was also a member of the Catholic Church at Talihina. He was known as a jokester and loved to tell everyone about his adventures and misadventures. He had a beautiful smile and unmistakable laugh. It would be a gross understatement to say Jerome was an AVID OU football fan! So all OU attire is welcome and acceptable for this occasion. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Cockreham White; parents Horace ‘HJ’ and Helen White; and nephew, Steve Strickland. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Rene Childress and husband Chase; grandson, Jacob Childress; siblings, Randal Reed White, Sandy White Strickland and husband Audie, and Lisa White Scott; nieces and nephews, Chelcy White, Dustin Dailey, Jeromy Scott, Joe Scott, Haley Strickland, and Abbey Strickland; and a host of other family members and friends. A celebration of Jerome’s life will be 12:30PM, Friday, August 5th, 2022 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Bill Crow officiating. Interment will follow at 2:30PM at Fort Gibson National Cemetery with Chelcy White, Dustin Dailey, Haley Strickland, Audie Strickland, Mike Ellis and MD Gibson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Reed White, David Teaff, and Steve Edwards. In honor of Jerome’s affection for OU football, wearing your OU attire is encouraged and appreciated. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

Jerome Jon White

November 27, 1947 - July 26, 2022