Donald Ricks White

Donald Ricks White, 72, of Lenexa, Kansas passed away March 25, 2023 at his home surrounded by family.

Born into a military family, Don's parents, Leonard and Christine White, welcomed their son on September 19, 1950 while stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. Don spent his early childhood in Garmisch, Germany then grew up in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University where he met the love of his life, Patty Melia, who was also majoring in Marketing. Proposing with a Cracker Jack ring, they married in 1975 over Spring Break of Senior year. Don and Pat celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on March 8.

Don began his 20-year career with Standard Motor Products, first in Washington, DC, then Dayton, OH, and finally landing in Lenexa, KS in 1988 where he became a vibrant part of the community. Developing friendships with his Stoneridge Manor neighbors came naturally; several of them soon started a competitive BBQ team, Poker Smokers, and went on to win awards over the years and remain lifelong friends.

Don launched his second career in 1998, joining JD Nichols as a real estate agent. He often said he was "retired" because he was doing what he loved, when & how he wanted. Don drew great satisfaction from the impact on his clients, who often became friends. An avid investor, Don acquired rental properties first in Wyandotte County, ('The Baron of Beach Street') and then expanding into Johnson County. Don was so proud when his son, Bryan, joined him in real estate five years ago, carrying on the legacy he'd built over his 25 years with ReeceNichols.

Don was a man of faith. He lived his faith through his St. Paul's community, serving his church in many leadership roles. As a member of the Men's Group, Don found deep fellowship and friendships. Most impactful were his mission trips to Nicaragua to build clean water wells which provided an abiding perspective on the importance of making a difference.

An avid traveler in recent years, Don and Patty had wonderful trips with their Traveling Buddies. Last years' spur of the moment Paris trip was a true highlight. The beaches of Outer Banks North Carolina were a beloved family vacation spot. His heart never forgot his childhood family gatherings at the mountain cabin, near Pembrook, VA where fishing for trout, hiking to the Cascades, and all night game-playing were a regular occurrence.

At his core, Don loved his family fiercely. His grandchildren were his complete joy. His children, Bryan, Karen, and Elizabeth, carry with them traits of their father that are undeniable. Their work ethic, strength of character, and sense of humor can all be traced back to their Dad. His love of family, also extended to the chosen family he gathered here in Kansas City.

Witty, generous, and caring, Don was a bit of a rascal, with a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face, "sitting on ready" to tell a good joke or story, and always willing to lend a helping hand and listening ear. He enjoyed solving puzzles, playing games and cards; poker was a passion along with Bourbon, BBQ, and rooting for the Chiefs. Brave beyond measure, he faced bladder cancer three times. We know Don's competitive nature would insist he didn't lose his battle with cancer, but rather ended in a draw as the cancer, too, did not survive.

Don is survived by his wife and best friend, Patricia Melia White, his children, Bryan William White of Overland Park, Kansas, Karen Marie White of Houston, Texas, and Elizabeth Christine White Carter, of Maize, Kansas; his grandchildren, Wilson Crockett Carter, Rosemary Christine Carter, James Donald Carter, and Daisy Christine Lee; son-in-law Eric Carter; sons-in-love Brian Melton and Jason Lee; daughter-in-love Lauren Watkins; sisters Lynda Kenyon of Flintstone, Georgia, Sylvia Williams of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and her husband Kent, and Robin Heddinger of Orlando, Florida, and her husband Bob, sister in law, Suzanne Jones and her husband Brad. Plus a host of nieces and nephews and one grandniece.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Joffre White and Mary Christine Ricks White of Richmond, Virginia.

Don's Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on Sunday, April 16th at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 7740 Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS 66217


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