Bennie White

Bennie Lee White passed away on February 4, 2021 at home surrounded by his family.

Bennie White was born on June 24, 1939 in Minden Louisiana to James L. White and Angeline Hudson-White. Bennie was baptized at the age of 12 by Rev. J.H. Dixon, Pastor Growing Baptist Church.

Bennie graduated from Webster High School, Minden, Louisiana in 1958.  He moved to Kansas City, Kansas in September of 1958 where he met the love of his life, Ms. Beverly Teague.  They were married on September 4, 1960 and from this union they were blessed with two children, Benjamin Mitchell White, and Bridgette Minene White-Cook.

In 1959, Bennie enlisted in the United States Marines Corps, and was stationed in Quantico, VA until he was honorably discharged in 1963.

Bennie returned to Kansas City, Kansas in 1963 and worked for BF Goodrich, Kansas City Structural Steel, and the Rock Island Railroad.  In 1972, Bennie joined the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. He worked in the patrol division before being promoted to the rank of Detective.  Detective White worked White Collar Crimes, Homicide and Sex Crimes receiving several awards and accolades during his time on the police force.  He proudly served as a member of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department for 28 years before retiring in 1999.  He obtained an Associate Degree from Central Missouri State while he was on the force.

Bennie joined Palestine Missionary Baptist Church in 1972 and was an active and faithful member until his death.  Bennie served on the Usher and Trustee Boards and was President of the Trustee Board for five years.  He was a member of the Inspirational Choir, where his tenor voice was music to the ears as he performed and led several musical selections.

Bennie enjoyed traveling - he especially enjoyed a month-long European vacation - visiting with his son and daughter-in-law, while touring Germany, France, Italy, Holland, and Switzerland. Other memorable trips included a trip to Hawaii and cruising Alaska, the Caribbean, and taking his grandkids on a Disney cruise.

During retirement, Bennie continued his life of service to others by giving of himself to help others in need.  He would chauffeur friends to and from doctor visits, the grocery store or wherever they needed to go.  Helping others was something Benny LOVED to do.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, and six siblings.  He leaves to mourn his passing, his loving wife of 60 years, Beverly Teague White of Kansas City Missouri, his son, Dr. Benjamin M. White (Kimberly) of Naperville, Illinois; his daughter Bridgette M. White-Cook (Nicholas Conteras) of Kansas City, Missouri; six grandchildren - Ruth Anne White, Kansas City, Missouri; Benjamin M. White, Jr., Stanford, California; Logan White, Washington, DC; Courtney Cook, Bernadette Cook, and Victoria Cook, all of Kansas City, Missouri.  Four sisters - Ollie Mae Jackson, Minden, LA; Gertha Williams, Shreveport LA; Ruth Bell, Dallas TX; Justene Dillard (Jerry), Omaha, NE., family friend, Mrs. Barbara Smallwood and a host of relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Palestine Missionary Baptist Church Scholarship Fund 3619 E. 35th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64128, or Naperville Neighbors United PO Box 9419, Naperville, IL 60567

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