Melvin Doyle White, age 86, passed away on Christmas morning at the home of his caregiver in Richland, Wa. He was born August 28, 1925, in New Boston, Texas to Floyd and Syrilda Lackey White.

After living in New Mexico for a short time, his family eventually settled in Mountain Home, Arkansas. At the age of 18, he joined the US Navy during World War II and was selected to be a member of Underwater Demolition Team UDT 11, a.k.a Navy Frogman, the precursor of the Navy SEALS. During his service in WW2, he earned the Bronze Star, Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, The Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon, and the American Campaign Medal.

After his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, he continued to serve his country in the US Army Reserve reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class until his Honorable Discharge/retirement in 1979.

He worked at the Red River Army Depot as a Security Officer, retiring in 1980. He moved the Tri-City area in 1981 when his family moved here to work construction at Hanford.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Benton City and served as a Deacon for many years. He is survived by his daughter Sandra Rex Fuqua, daughter Paula Eddie Emerson, four grandchildren Greg Fuqua, Susan Don Thayer, Adam Brooke Emerson and Holly Antonio Johnson, and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Donnie Linda White, sister Dorothy Humphries and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in Texarkana, Texas the week of January 2 and a memorial service will be held in the Tri City area at a later date.

We love you Papaw, and glad you Made It Home For CHRISTMAS!!