John Richard "JR" White
January 23, 1944 ~ February 15, 2026
Born in:
Dighton, Kansas
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Celebration of Life:
John Richard “JR” White, 82, of Pueblo, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on February 15, 2026. JR was born on January 23, 1944, in Dighton, Kansas, the youngest of two children born to John Durrant (JD) White and Marjorie White. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David White. JR attended Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. He began his career as a teacher, sharing his knowledge and steady guidance with students before embarking on a long and distinguished career with Union Pacific Railroad (formerly Missouri Pacific). During his tenure with the railroad, JR held various leadership roles and ultimately retired as an Operating Officer. His career took his family across the country before they eventually settled in Pueblo, Colorado, where they made their home for many years.
In 1967, JR married the love of his life, Lois. Together they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family. They raised three children: Kalvin (Shana) White; Lori (Keith) Baskin; and John Todd (Maureen) White.
JR never met a stranger. He had a gift for striking up conversations wherever he went, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. He had a deep love for horses and took great pride in his accomplishments as a horseman, always eager to share stories of his experiences. He was also a proud member of Shriners International and faithfully served on their motorcade team, forming lifelong friendships through his involvement.
Above all, JR loved his family. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, celebrating their accomplishments and cherishing every moment spent together.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Lois; his children, Kalvin, Lori, and John Todd; his ten beloved grandchildren, John (Leena)White; Melissa (Brad) Gerlach; Molly (Stephen) McVay; Jeff Baskin; Jamie Baskin (Alex Bency); Brendan; Ashleigh; Andrew; Noah; and Mia White; and his great-granddaughter, Lillian McVay.
JR’s warmth, humor, strength, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral service, 10 a.m. Monday, February 23, 2026, in the Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel. Interment, Roselawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/ in JR’s honor. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com
Services
Funeral Service: February 23, 2026 10:00 am
Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel
1317 N. Main Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
719-542-1552
http://www.montgomerysteward.com
I know how Kal both loved and respected this man. It is my loss that I never came to know him.
Being in a personal service business as I was for so many years, many customers become more like family members, and Dick was like family to me. So much so that when I retired, he followed me home and became one of my “special ” ones. He was a loyal friend and customer for at least 40 years, but I’ve lost count. I got to know his family, even though I never met most of them, as he was immensely proud of them all and loved to talk about their accomplishments. He was a kind and generous man, always willing to lend a hand to help others. He enjoyed being a Shriner and riding his “trike” in parades, all to benefit children. He enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada, Alaska, or wherever, with his sons and other friends. He loved people, and horses. And, these last few years, he fought the big “C” valiantly and seemed to be doing amazingly well. Today, at 10 am, instead of giving Dick a haircut, I’ll be thinking of him with great fondness and praying that he now rests in peace, knowing he fought the good fight. He will be remembered and greatly missed.