Billy “B.K.” White (2022)

ENSLEY, LELIS, LINDSTROM, WHITE

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 11/8/2023 at 18:02:58

Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, January 25, 2023

MAJ Billy “B.K.” White (USMC, Ret) died peacefully in his Sonoma, Calif., home surrounded by his family on Dec. 27, 2022.

B. K. was born in Winterset, Iowa, on Feb. 6, 1938. He graduated from Winterset High School in 1956 and proudly joined the United States Marine Corps immediately after graduation. When asked what made him choose the Marine Corps, his instant response was “John Wayne”. And like the characters of his childhood hero, MAJ White served with honor, distinction, courage and pride for 22 years with four tours in Vietnam.

B. K. was the consummate “DIYer”-He could build anything and fix just about everything. If he wasn’t watching football (Go 49ers!), busy somewhere in the community or at the grocery store (his favorite thing to do) you would find him in his shop “tinkering” he’d say, on things like sets for the local Sonoma Community Cheater. He was an avid aviator who had a passion for the local EAA “Young Eagles” Chapter 1268, mentoring kids who had any interest at all in flying! He loved sharing walks in the vineyard with his wife and dog, working out at the gym, having coffee with “the boys”, hiking, camping, fishing and especially snow skiing! He was known for his quick wit and always having a joke to tell. B.K. always saw the positive side of a situation and there was nothing that couldn’t be faced, especially with humor. His favorite recording artist was Willie Nelson and the chorus of Willie’s song “Something You Get Through” sums up how those who loved B.K. feel…”it’s not something you get over, but it’s something you get through.”

B.K. is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carol White; three daughters, Deborah (John) Lelis, Kristen Ensley, and Jana Ensley; two sons, Brian K. (Sherri) White and Rick (Tracey) Ensley: eight grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one sister, Kay Lindstrom; and a nephew, Kevin Lindstrom. B.K. was preceded in death by his parents, Merrill and Jesse White; his brother, Bart White; a niece, Pam Lindstrom; and a nephew, Rick Lindstrom.

B.K. unselfishly donated his body to UC Davis Medical School and as such there will be no immediate service. A memorial will be planned at a National Cemetery (TBD) for the spring of 2023 where final Taps will be sounded. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead donate to EAA Chapter 1268, (Sonoma Skypark, 21870 East 8th St., Sonoma, CA 95476 ssp @vom.com in honor of “B.K.”

The last verse of the Marine Corps oath speaks to how MAJ B.K. White lived his life,
“Just as our forefathers did in establishing this great nation, I pledge my life, my fortune, and my sacred honor for God, family, country and corps.” SEMPER FI-OORAH!

He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed, but…NEVER FORGOTTEN!