Obituary of Thomas Edison White

Thomas Edison White, 87, of Chattanooga passed away Thursday, June 28, 2012 in an area healthcare facility. He was born on February 11, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan, on Edison's birthday. He graduated from high school where he met his wife Olga 'Kitty' Schawinsky. He joined the Army during World War II, served first in North Africa, and was then in the first wave to land on the beach at Anzio, Italy. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in that campaign. He married Olga, his high school sweetheart, and had three lovely daughters, Carol Ann (White) Johnson; Valerie Marie (White) Monk; and Janet Marilynn (White) Brown. Thomas was employed by Texaco for more than thirty years and won many awards for his job expertise. He was a long-time member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Taylor, Michigan. He moved to Florida after retirement, and then to Chattanooga five years ago to be near his daughter after the death of his wife. He had most recently been a resident of The Terrace at Mountain Creek where he leaves behind many loved and special friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Caroline White; his wife, Olga Schawinsky; brothers, Harold and Milton; and sister, Ruth White. He also experienced the loss of two of his daughters, Carol, in 1995; and Valerie, in 2008. He will be greatly missed by his daughter, his sons-in-law, his seven grandchildren, and his eight great-grandchildren. He requested burial in the National Cemetery in Chattanooga in a private ceremony with his immediate family. Arrangements are by Legacy Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Share your memories, stories and photos at www.legacyfuneralhome.com.