Harold M. R. White, age 76, of Independence, KY, passed away at his home on Tuesday August 12, 2025. His loud presence and big personality will be missed. He was one of a kind.

Harold was born in 1949 to Harold S. and Louise (Ferber) White in Pittsburgh, PA. Born and raised alongside his sister, Louise, they made fun with neighbors and friends. After high school, Harold joined the United States Navy in 1967. He traveled to Illinois for training then journeyed as a plane captain, parachute rigger, and supervisor for the AME/PR shop before leaving for Sea Duty. He attended escape and evasion school then taught student aviators techniques in bailout after being ejected from an aircraft. During his 22-year career, Harold traveled to New Jersey, Florida, Sicily, Bermuda, California, and back to Kentucky. He has been directly responsible for the survival of at least 5 known aviators who found it necessary to eject from the aircraft. Petty Officer White received a Letter of Commendation, the Vietnam Campaign Award, the Republic of Vietnam Ribbon, the National Defense Ribbon, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy Battle “E”, and the Good Conduct Medal.

At home, Harold furthered his life as a husband and father. Fourth of July was one of his very favorites. Weeks of planning went into his firework display for the family and neighbors. He wasn’t one who tolerated being still. He entered a career at Home Depot as a technician in the tool department. A jack of all trades who could put anything back together and was a friend to many. A special friend, Steve Roether, was made and could share in old memories from the military and was known as his “Navy buddy”. Harold liked maintaining his personal vehicles and enjoyed fast cars and trains. He and his wife, Donna, navigated their vacations around Nascar races, traveling stateside and never missing an opportunity to cheer on their favorite driver, Tony Stewart.

Harold had a room transformed into a train display at his home. He spent countless hours crafting routes and scenes for his display. Each Christmas, the highlight for all was to experience Harold operating his trains and bringing those little cities to life. Every detail was meticulously set and he gained so much happiness from it. Friends like Tom Marinelli and Brian Pierce would travel together, viewing other model train exhibits and bringing home new ideas. This miniature world was always evolving and improving.

Harold is survived by his wife; Donna White (nee Gies), son; Jason White, stepchildren; Joshua Helton and Christine Helton, sister; Louise (Anthony V. Jr.) Scotti, niece; Melissa (Thomas) Johnson, nephew; Anthony Scotti the third (Laurie), great nephews; Alexander, Christopher, Zachary (Ava) Johnson, Anthony the fourth and Maximillian Scotti, brothers and sisters in law; David (Naomi) Gies, Mark (Sue) Gies, Ron (Pauline) Gies, Christopher Gies, Bob (Bev) Gies, Steve Gies, and Lee Ann (George) Michalek and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 8461 Dixie Hwy, Florence, KY 41042 from 10:00am-12:00pm. Family will immediately follow in procession to the Kentucky Veteran’s Cemetery North where Harold will be honored by his fellow military comrades.