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Walter L. White, Age: 67
Jul 19, 1951 - Apr 10, 2019

Walter L White, family man, philanthropist, professional athlete, entertainer and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 67 on April 10th, 2019 after his battle with pancreatic cancer.

 

Walter was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on July 19th, 1951 to James and Myrtle White. He attended Albemarle High School before leaving for Colorado Mesa University (formerly Mesa College) for two years, and finishing his collegiate career at the University of Maryland. Walter lived his distinguished adult life in Kansas City, where he began his career as a Kansas City Chief. While exceptional in his time on the field, his NFL career from 1975 - 1979 was a catalyst for his work to come.

 

After leaving the field, he entered a career in banking. Walter spent 22 years serving Commerce Bank and building tremendous relationships with his associates and clients while acting as the Vice President of the Commerce Trust Company.

 

Walter ensured he devoted his time to the community he loved in Kansas City while supporting a multitude of charitable organizations. His greatest passion in life was connecting with people through business, giving back, and being larger than life itself. He poured a magnificent portion of his life into using the platform he was given to do good for others. Walter was a proud founder of the Kansas City Ambassadors and was honored to serve as the president of his pride and joy from 1989 - 1998. Sometimes referred to as “Mr. Chairman”, he continued his work with the group until his last days. The organization became an oar for the rest of the work he'd do professionally, personally and charitably.

 

His love for family was outnumbered. Walter made it a point that everything he did was at the core to provide love and support to his wife and children. He was married to his wife Jeri for almost 40 years and helped raise three exceptional children he could not have been more proud of.

 

He loved listening to individual's experiences and telling stories. Walter was the life of the party no matter the size of the room he entered. His ability to light a room with his immense presence was unmeasurable. Whether planned or not, he found every microphone at every event before the echoing of the sweet words, "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day..." began to soften the souls of those who could hear.

 

He is survived by wife Jeri; son Jason, daughter Whitney, and son Adam and his wife Hannah; siblings Margaret Brown, Myrtle Johnson and James White Jr; nieces and nephews.

 

A Tribute to Walter will be held on Tuesday, April 16th at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (Main Sanctuary Building A) at 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas.

 

In honor of Walter, please consider making a donation to the Ambassadors Charitable Foundation at www.chiefs.com/walterwhite or call 816-920-9300.

 
Send Condolences
Additional Service:
Celebration of Life
Location:
United Methodist Church of The Resurrection
Address:
13720 Roe Avenue
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66224
Date of Service:
Apr 16, 2019
Time of Service:
10:00 AM
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Eric Andrews Apr 12, 2019

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I only met Walter once, but I knew his kindness and loving attitude, reflected through his family. Whitney and Jeri only spoke such kind things of Walter, and I wish I had the pleasure to know him further. He has made a lasting impact, not only only his family and friends but in the Kansas City community, which will live on for many years to come. All my love goes out to the White family as they navigate these difficult times.

Amy Poulin Apr 12, 2019

Friend ,Grain Valley ,Missouri

I only knew you for a short tome. That short time was truly impactful in my life. No words can describe what a great family you all are. My thoughts are with you and your family during this truly difficult time. Jeri you and Walter are one of a kind! Much love!

Garry Helm Apr 12, 2019

friend ,Blue Springs ,Missouri

I knew Walter for many years and considered him one of my best friends. I was fortunate to be able to socialize with him and go to many charity events that he was involved in and helped organize. He was a great father and a very generous man. I loved to hear him sing and he had a great sense of humor. He was always smiling and happy. I loved to hear him laugh. A truly fun person to be around and one of the greatest persons I have ever met. I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his beautiful wife Jeri and their kids.

Steve Myers Apr 12, 2019

Friend ,Smithville ,Missouri

I had the pleasure of knowing Walter since his playing days as a KC Chief. Every where we went, golfing, hunting,sporting events people would come up and greet him. He was always so nice to everybody we would meet. The guy could sing too! In a bar at a party or the Ambassadors tent he would sing and have fun . I'll cherish my friendship with Walter and pray for some peace for Jeri and the kids. Walter was a helluva guy! The good Lord must have needed a TE that could stretch the field!!

Donna and Jamie Woolard Apr 12, 2019

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I met Walter over 29 years ago thru my dear friend Derrick Thomas as we were putting the Third and Long foundation together. He was always so supportative and always there when we needed him. He was kind, considerate, gracious, and had a wonderful sense of humor. I will always cherish our last conversation just a few months ago. You will be missed Walter. R.I.P. my friend. donna woolard

Mary Apr 12, 2019

Family friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

May God bring comfort to Jeri and the kids during this very difficult time . Walter is in heaven singing “MyGirl” to the angels and hanging out with Mark Dickson.he will be missed. Love Mary Ghasemi

Rhonda Owen Apr 12, 2019

Friend ,Odessa ,Missouri

I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you as you go through this.

Allan Wrinkle Apr 12, 2019

Acquaintance ,Kansas city ,Missouri

I was lucky enough to meet Walter several times over the years. Every time he was a very gracious person. I enjoyed every conversation we had and whether he did or not he made you feel like he enjoyed them too. He always treated you as if you were his equal even when you knew you weren't. Walter you will be missed. Keep singing in Heaven.

Duane Clemons Apr 13, 2019

Ambassador chiefs ,Frederick ,Maryland

Walt was a big brother to me and showed me how to transition after football! He showed the world how to love and live.

Tony Reed Apr 13, 2019

Teammate/Friends ,Odessa ,Missouri

Jeri, We loved Walter as a brother and you were the person that allowed us to share his brightness. Thank you so much for sharing him with us and the Kansas City Family. We are so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful person and dearest friend, I miss him already. Love Always, Tony & Jackie Reed

Ron Egloff Apr 13, 2019

Friend and Fellow NFL Tight End ,Denver ,Colorado

We lost a great one. We will miss your presence here in Colorado as well. We will dedicate this years' Children's Hospital Golf Tournament in Colorado Springs to you. We will also honor you at this years' Pioneer Days in Florence, Co. as well. Who will sing Mustang Sally and Goin to Kansas City? Prayers and Love to the family.

Alfred Steed Apr 13, 2019

Friend/brother in the Cause ,Kansas City ,Missouri

My sincere sorrow and prayers for God’s comfort in your moments of grief n bereavement. In prayer my brother is already resting in the presence of the Lord in Paradise tho absent from the body. The Spirit of God rest on U. God bless U family 🙏🏽💜

Leonard Griffin Apr 13, 2019

Friend ,Calhoun ,Louisiana

As a member of the Chiefs family, I send my deepest sympathy to the White family. Everytime I was in Walter's presence, he was smiling and happy about life. He always was pleasant company and a friend to many. May he rest in eternal peace.

Kelly Rupp Apr 13, 2019

Friend ,Houston ,Texas

Rest In Peace Walter 🙏🏼 You will be missed.

Chris and Betsy Wlliams Apr 13, 2019

college friends Mesa College ,Denver ,Colorado

Our deepest sympathy to the White Family. We are so saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Walt Lee.R.I.P.Brother.

Tom and Saunny Lynch Apr 13, 2019

Friends ,Springfield ,Missouri

Walter White......A life well-lived; a man well-loved!!!!!!!!!!

Dean Askew Apr 13, 2019

Friend ,Fort Collins ,Colorado

He was mentor to me at Mesa.. he was a great friend

JONES Family Apr 13, 2019

Friend ,Junction City ,Kansas

May Gods comfort & peace keep the White family today as well as days to come. My husband and sons; Travae & Johnnie Jr enjoyed their fellowship with Walter or Mr Walt as they would call him. Both our sons looked up to Walter and appreciated his support. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during your time of bereavement. Johnnie Sr Charmaine Travae Johnnie Jr

Sharon G. Aubuchon Apr 13, 2019

Walter had a heart of gold. Hi smile, his presence, his kindness will never be forgotten. When my sister was paralyzed in an accident Walter was a big support as an Ambassador. I will always remember all our trips to the filed and the tent and his singing before all the games. My favorite Chiefs picture hangs in my home with Walter and my niece. It was such an honor to work with Walter, I will miss him dearly and all the joy he gave to others. My heart is with your family during this time of loss. He will remain in my heart forever. Sharon

David Casey Apr 13, 2019

Team mate- Mesa College ,Grand Junction ,Colorado

I was overcome with grief when I heard of Walter’s passing. I first met Walter almost 50 years ago when we were in the same recruiting class at Mesa College. I can still remember the first time I met him, he was always an impressive person. We were team mates for both years at Mesa and played some twenty games together. I know first hand that not only was Walter a great football player, he was a great person as well. Over the years, I looked forward to seeing Walter at the Mesa Homecoming games, it was fun to reminisce with him. I went on to become a High School Principal. It was always heartwarming when Walter would say to me “thanks for what you do for those kids.” My condolences go out to you because it must be very hard to lose someone as special as Walter White, it certainly is for me.

Robert Wright Apr 14, 2019

Friend and Business Associate ,Polk City ,Iowa

It has been an honor and a pleasure to have known, worked and laughed with and been inspired by Walter in so many ways. His courage, integrity, compassion, love and generosity will forever be remembered. Walter was a true Friend and Brother, in the purest and most noble sense and I am so much the better man because of knowing him. Robert G. Wright, Laborers' International Union of North America, National Retiree Council.

vessie williams Apr 14, 2019

KC CHIEFS RED COATER ,RAYTOWN ,Missouri

YOU WILL BE MISSED-PRAYING FOR FAMILY

Mike and Linda Waldschmidt Apr 14, 2019

friend ,parkville ,Missouri

Jeri: We loved Walter, as we love your whole family. We cannot know the magnitude of your loneliness and loss, but we pray it will soften quickly and you will be showered with support. We look forward to the time when will see you again.

Robert bledsoe Apr 15, 2019

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Walter White touched so many. My family all loved Walter he would do anything for anyone. He’s a champion and I will be forever grateful to have known him. We love you Walter. And our hearts and prayers go out to jeri and the family. God bless you all .

Kelsey Apr 15, 2019

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Grieving for the loss of such a wonderful man. White family, I’m holding you all in my prayers.

Susan Decker Apr 16, 2019

Friend ,Broomfield ,Colorado

I am saddened to the core. What a horrible loss to his family, his community, all who knew him and all he touched. Not a more kind, compassionate, thoughtful person ever lived. Not Good Bye, Walter, but I will see you later.

Wilhelmina Apr 17, 2019

Neighbor from Keswick VA ,Keswick ,Virginia

To Walter White family I was deeply saddened when a txt was sent that our Keswick super start had passed. Peace

Shabba Apr 18, 2019

Friend ,Charlotte ,North Carolina

First I want to say may your soul rest in peace my friend. My condolences goes out to your family. Thanks for everything that you did for me when I first got to Kansas City back in 1995. Mr White was a kind and generous person, He helped me find my first job in the City. I just want to say thanks to his Wife and kids for sharing a wonderful man with the community. You will be missed my friend. May God bless your soul.