Donald Ray White

Donald Ray White, 88 years old of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed from this life on June 18, 2025. Don was born February 23, 1937, to James Horace “Private” White and Goldie Taylor in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He graduated from Ardmore High School in 1955.

Don enlisted in the US Army in 1958 and served honorably for 20 years, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant.. He fought in the Vietnam War as a Platoon Sergeant for C Co 1st Battalion 27th Infantry Wolfhounds of the 25th Division in 1966 and A Co 1st Battalion 8th Infantry of the 4th Division in 1968-1969. In 1967, he instructed the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets in small-unit infantry tactics. Gravely wounded in a firefight in Vietnam’s central highlands in 1969, Don returned home to many months of recovery. During his time in the Army, Don earned the following medals and commendations:

• 1. Silver Star (for gallantry in action).  2. Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. 3. Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. 4. Meritorious Service Medal. 5. Vietnam Gallantry Cross (Vietnam Cross of Gallantry). 6. Vietnam Service Medal. 7. Vietnam Campaign Medal. 8. National Defense Service Medal. 9. Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB). 10. Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB). 11. Gold Recruiter Badge with two Sapphire Stars.

After retiring from the Army, Don worked alongside his wife, Hope, as a residential Realtor in the Oklahoma City metro area from 1978 to his retirement in 2000. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Southern Nazarene University. He served as the Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. In his retirement, he authored two books: his memoir of Vietnam combat titled No Body Armor (2013) and a military history of Vietnam titled Death in a Lonely Place (2018). He was an avid waterfowl hunter and fisherman all his life, and shared the love of hunting and fishing he learned from his father with his grandsons.

Don is survived by his wife of 62 years Hope (Foster) White of the home; his son Paul White of Oklahoma City, OK; daughter Lisa Sharp (Robert) of Edmond, OK; daughter Julie Riggs (Rob) of Piedmont, OK; and his beloved labrador Ranger. He was proud of his many grandchildren: Cory White (Kylie), Chevi Sharp, Cole Alleman (Mary Kate), Josh Alleman (Carly), Robert Hugh Sharp III, Alyssa Sharp Bianco (Charles), Gunnar Riggs, and many great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents and his sister Anita Sue Mitchell (Bob) of Ardmore, OK.

Don was reunited in the afterlife with his lifelong friend of 80+ years, Roy “Buddy” Garnand, and his brother-in-arms Jerry Loucks, the “best pointman in Vietnam.” Special thanks to the staff of the Norman Veterans Center for their respectful and gentle care of our father, and to the veterans of A-1-8 who fought beside Pop on March 12, 1969, and have surrounded him with brotherly love for the last 25 years.

A memorial service will be held on July 20 in Oklahoma City, location TBA.