Donald "Don" Leon White's Obituary
WHITE, Donald “Don” Leon, age 94, of Sugarcreek Township, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Don graduated from Bement High School in Illinois, class of 1949. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.
He graduated from A&E school at Sheppard AFB, Texas, and took a B-26 specialist course that turned out to be in demand in Korea, so he was sent there. Always wanting to fly, he applied for the B-26 and got it. There was also an ulterior motive for taking this assignment - if you flew seventy-five missions, you could return stateside, which would cancel the one-year requirement. With a shortage of flight mechanics, his flight chief said he could be trained on the C-47, which were used for flying flare and leaflet missions. He thought that with the combination of missions, he would be going stateside in about ninety days. They signed the armistice the day after his fiftieth mission. All missions were canceled, and he was stuck for the full year, but still alive and well. His new assignment stateside was in the 2252 Air Reserve Flying Center under Continental Air Command, which included the Civil Air Patrol. At that time, the base was under active Air Force control. There were six C-46 aircraft on the flight line. Working with reserve officers and airmen would be a new duty and a new experience, and he was ready. That day, he could never imagine that a little base in Wilmington, Ohio, called Clinton County AFB, could affect his life with events and relationships that are still there today, but it did.
Following his military service, Don dedicated over 30 years as an aircraft mechanic and retired from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. After retirement, he continued his strong work ethic with the Sugarcreek Park District, where he spent an additional 14 years doing what he truly loved—working outdoors. He was also a lifetime member of American Legion Post #49 in Wilmington and served on the Review Board for Reynoldsburg while living there.
Don was a man who found joy in working with his hands. He built his own home, a source of great pride, and took special satisfaction in maintaining it—especially mowing the lawn and keeping everything just right. He loved being outside and cherished his time with the Sugarcreek Park District. He was known as a quiet, steady presence—someone who was easy to be around and well-liked by all. Don valued relationships deeply and made it a point to stay connected with his Air Force friends throughout the years.
He had a deep love for his family and looked forward to time spent together, especially during family reunions, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. Among many things, Don will be remembered for his dependability, his quiet strength, and the way he stayed connected to the people who mattered most. A fun and unique part of his story was his interest in the sayings found on matchbooks—so much so that he once followed one of the advertisements, and the fact that he became certified in taxidermy while still in high school.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Gladys White; his brother, Bill White; and his sister, Alene Vezina. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Elizabeth “Liz” White; his two sons, Brian White and Dennis (Sheila “Alie”) White; and his two sisters, Helen Archer, who recently celebrated her 102nd birthday, and Evelyn Bail; along with extended family and friends.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Conner & Koch Funeral Home of Bellbrook is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at https://connerandkoch.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald "Don"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald "Don"?
Share a story where Donald "Don"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald "Don" you’ll never forget.
How did Donald "Don" make you smile?