Rodney passed away Saturday afternoon, February 1, 2014 at his home. He was born June 4, 1931 in Grand Rapids, the son of Orville and Grace (Riley) White. Rod was a graduate of South High School in Grand Rapids where he was part of the Firemen Five and Varsity Club. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and attended Western Michigan University. Rod was a police officer for the Kalamazoo City Police Department, retiring after 30 years. He served as president of the Kalamazoo Fraternal Order of Police, was a member of the Mason's and had served as Mayor of Harrietta, Michigan.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Jean (Stearns) White. Also surviving are four children, Laurie (Greg) Alexander, Kelly White, Cindydru (Michael) Stevens and David (Amy) White; seven grandchildren, Amanda and Alan Silverstein, Andrew Alexander, Ashley Alexander, Remington White, Weston White, and Major Stevens.
Rod was a dedicated family man, and loved his wife and family above all. He did everything he could for his kids and grandkids, from coaching all his children's sports teams to taking care of his grandchildren. His family was first before everything and everybody.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation fellowship with be held Saturday, February 8, from 3-6 p.m. at the Almena United Methodist Church, 27503 CR 375 (Almena Road), Paw Paw. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Fraternal Order of Police in Kalamazoo, MI or the American Heart Association of Kalamazoo, MI.