Charles F. White

Charles (Charlie) F. White, age 90, of Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Palmyra, MO, rode into his last sunset on his beloved horse, Classy, at 11:45 pm Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Visitation celebrating Charles' life will be held at 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Smith Funeral Home and Chapel.  Funeral service will follow with Pastor Stacie Williams officiating. This cowboy’s final ride will then continue to Providence Baptist Cemetery in Withers Mill, MO where he will be laid to rest.  All family and friends invited to attend Charlie’s life celebration meal afterwards at Arch United Methodist Church in Hannibal, MO.

Charles was born on November 15, 1934, in Marceline, MO, the son of Francis and Edna (Houser) White.

He was united in marriage to Sharon M. Jennett on July 11, 1973, in Hannibal, MO.  She survives him.

Other survivors include his children and grandchildren; Tonya Seddon (Scott)of Palmyra, MO and their children, Brooke Cochran (Colten), Abby Dodd (Michael), Charley Seddon (Trenton Manning), John Seddon, Zach Seddon, and Christopher Seddon; Kathy Jacobson of Watford City, ND, and her children, Billy Jack Jacobson (Sarah), Debbie Jacobson-Smith (Rodney), and Amanda Cunningham (Jamie); Kim Hurst(Ron) of Palmyra, MO,and their children, William Billings, Robert Billings (Bethany), Michael Billings (Angie), Brittany Cirricione (Brad) and Keith Hurst; JoAnn Berry (David)of Hannibal, MO, and their children, Christopher Berry (Kayla), Brandon Berry (Tiffany), James Berry (Shyann), and Chelsy Berry; Granddaughter Jennifer Servis (Chris); Grandchildren Greg Scranton (Lora), Courtney Lindsey (Matt), and Brandy Edwards (Kerry); Frank White (Mary) of Mexico, MO, and their children Josh White (Mica), Toshia Mullins (Chris), Dylan White (Linzie), Frank White, Jr. (Dawn), Christina Powell, Shayne Potter (Matthew), and Linda Tanner (Tim); Kenneth White (Tina) of Hannibal, MO, and his children, Karley Goodwin (Brandon), Kendra White, Krista White, Kennedy White, and Kimberly White.

Also surviving Charlie are his siblings, Arthur White of Hannibal, MO; Elizabeth Brinkley of Hannibal, MO; Virginia Haden (John) of Hannibal, MO; and Oralee Foutes (Larry) of New London, MO; along with numerous great grandchildren, great- great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and more friends than one could possibly imagine.

In addition to his parents, Mr White was preceded in death by his son, Charles R. "Chuck" White; son, Marvin Lain; his infant son, Earl Wayne White; three brothers, Hershall White, Claude White, and Clifford "Wayne" White; two sisters, Martha White and Tina Graham; and his precious great grandchildren, Emaleigh Rose Dodd, Addisyn Mae Dodd and Trevor Berry.

Charlie worked as an auto mechanic for over 40 years for Ford Motor Company and several others including himself at Charlie’s Auto Repair. He was also employed for over two decades as a maintenance man for Holiday Inn and Days Inn in Hannibal.

A true cowboy, Charlie enjoyed breaking, raising, and riding horses.  He even traveled on horseback alongside his brothers from Palmyra, MO, to Fort Madison, IA, to take part in the Tri-State Rodeo and parade every year for over ten years.  Charlie was even a Rodeo Clown for several rodeos in his younger years. Away from his horses, Charlie was known for his gardening skills. He grew his giant tomatoes until the summer before he passed. He grew tomatoes while at the nursing home for all to enjoy. Mr. White had a real love for music whether singing or playing his guitar and many other instruments. Charlie was even teaching his hospice nurse the love of playing the guitar until his final days.

Charlie founded an organization he named The Peacepipe American Indian Club. He, his family, and fellow members traveled to numerous pow-wows and reservations over the years. One of his passions was Native American heritage and history. Charlie was known for visiting local schools, educating children of the Native American history and customs.

Mr. White was a Thirty-Three Degree Mason and was a proud member of the NEMO Shrine Club.  Every May, “The Onion Man,” as Charlie was well known by several locals, would make his rounds (in his old red Dodge pick-up) selling sweet Vidalia Onions to anyone he could talk into them and no worries because he would also tell you how to cook them the best ways as well. Charlie was the lead selling Shriner for multiple years running, selling literal tons of onions each year for the NEMO Shrine Club.

As anyone who knew him knows, Charlie's biggest love were his family and friends. He cherished family gatherings of all kinds or setting down with friends over a hot cup of coffee or a cold rootbeer. He was the absolute best storyteller known to man and “If you don’t believe me, just ask Sharon.” Mr White’s legacy will shine on through his family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know him.

Pallbearers will be Michael Dodd, Colten Cochran, Christopher Seddon, Trenton Manning, Christopher Berry, James Berry, Michael Billings, Robert Billings and Josh White. Honorary pallbearers will be Brandon Berry, Brooke Cochran, Abby Dodd, Charley Seddon, Montana Jacobson, and Chelsy Berry.

Memorial contributions may be made to the NEMO Shrine Club, Shriners Children's Hospital, or Community Loving Care Hospice, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Charlie's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com