Monroe White

Monroe White, 84, Galesburg, Illinois, died at Richard Owens Hospice Home, Peoria, Illinois on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Monroe was born July 11, 1941 in Conway, Arkansas, the son of Benjamin and Florence (Sullivan) White. He married Betty J. Mason and together they had five children, all of whom survive; sons, Monroe (the late Rita) White, Jr., of Orlando, Florida and Theotis (Jennifer) White of Russellville, Arkansas; three daughters, Janet (Billy) McFarland of Racine, Wisconsin, Tracie White, and Cindy (George) Turner both of Peoria. Monroe is also survived by one sister, Mildred White, of Racine; 25 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Along with his parents and daughter-in-law, Monroe was preceded in death by one grandson, Shalom White; one brother, Benjamin White, Jr.; and three sisters, Corinza Townsend, Ethel Lee, and Beatrice Pride.

Monroe began working at a young age and went on to be a carpenter for many years through Laborers’ Local 530. In his later years, he worked as a mechanic prior to retiring. Monroe was a member of New Home Missionary Baptist Church in Galesburg and enjoyed playing the guitar. He loved to be outdoors fishing or hunting anything that moved, especially rabbits and squirrels.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Going home celebration will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Pastor Kemp Jones will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made in Monroe’s memory to the family. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.