Robert White Sr.

WHITE



Major (Ret.) Robert Wrentz White, Sr., born June 8, 1937, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2008, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Bob attended St. Mary's High School in German Village, although he entered military service at the age of 16, he still considered St. Mary's his alma mater. Bob retired a Major from the Army in 1974, with his last duty station being Army advisor to the Ohio Guard. Bob's strongest ties remained with those he served with at Fort Bragg and he continued his association through membership in the Special Forces Association, first with Chapter 55 in Michigan and later Chapter 45 in Columbus. Bob was among the charter members of the re-activated Columbus Chapter and worked annually on the Golf Outing that benefited both the SFA Chapter and the Ohio Military Hall of Fame.

Upon retirement from the Army, Bob began his second career in real estate. From the opening of his first brokerage, Bob White Realty, to his last as Managing Broker for Prudential CRES Commercial Real Estate, he enjoyed the challenges found in the representation of clients and the development of his agents to meet the market demands. Bob was a member of the Columbus Board of Realtors, Ohio Association and National Association of Realtors. Bob was the first Realtor in the Columbus market place to obtain the CIPS designation and enjoyed many years working with a culturally diverse clientele. Bob is also a specialist in 1031 Exchanges. Bob is Chairman of The Property Management Appeals Board for Code Enforcement for the City of Columbus and a CCIM Candidate. He continued to be an inspiration to those he worked with throughout his personal struggles and refused to allow his health to overshadow the development of the team he had worked so hard to put into place. Bob was a member of the Aladdin Shrine and past member of the Legion of Honor, having had the honor to direct the Potentates Honor Guard for a period. Bob continued his commitment to honor those for past military service and was among the founders of the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor. From the humble concept of showing appreciation for Ohio's sons and daughters who exhibited heroism on the field of battle, the Annual Induction Ceremony was created. With great pride, Bob was among the initial Inductees. Bob was instrumental in organizing the ceremony annually and took great pride in seeing our Veterans receive the recognition due for service above and beyond. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Mary Jo; his children, Robert W (Melody) Jr., Rebecca (Gary) Chambers, Daniel (Carol) White, Jeffrey (Deana); step-daughter, Michelle (John) Weber; mothers, Jane (Harold) Pyle; brother, Wilbert Joseph (Sandy) White; mother-in-law, Emma Jo Dolan; 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor in care of Jim Garvey, 4840 Patricia Lane, Westerville, OH 43082-8810. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 1, 2009, 4-8PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, NE Chapel, 3047 East Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH. with the Funeral Service on Friday, January 2, 2009, 11AM at the funeral home.