Laurence Marsh "Stretch" White, 87, of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Fla., formerly of State College, passed away at home on April 6, 2010.
Born on Nov. 19, 1922, in State College, he was the son of Dr. Marsh and Stella Steele White. In 1947 he married Emma W. Johnson, who preceded him in death. Laurence married Elizabeth Eisle in 1995, who survives him. Laurence was a graduate of State College High School, class of 1940, and Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, class of 1941. Laurence served in the Army from 1942 to 1945 in the 34th Infantry Division, the "Red Bulls", and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Heroic Achievement in Action. Returning to State College, he graduated from Penn State in 1948 with a degree in Health and Human Development. Laurence was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity, whose Penn State chapter was founded by his father, Dr. Marsh White. Laurence was employed by the Boy Scouts of America for several years, then by Penn State University in the Chemistry Department, retiring after 37 years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Pompano Beach, Fla. and the Scranton Rotary Club.
Laurence is survived by his brother, Malcolm White, of California; two daughters, Carol L. White and Linda A. White, of State College and one son, Randall M. White (Deborah), of Centreville, Va. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Marion McKiernan, Lena Austin, Brian White and Douglas White, and two great-grandchildren, Adele and Paul McKiernan. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his twin brother, Kenneth. His family and friends will always remember him for his wry sense of humor, his passion for playing bridge, the bowling trophies he accumulated and the card games he never let us winÉ and his love of chocolate.