David "Dave" Richard White

David “Dave” Richard White of Altoona passed away on September 23, 2022, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center.

Dave was born on July 3, 1942, to Ben White and Gertrude Norem White of Des Moines. He graduated from North High School in 1960 and attended Grand View College. He then served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968 aboard the destroyers USS Calcaterra and USS Glennon.

Dave was employed by Bridgestone/Firestone in Des Moines for most of his career. He served in various management positions on the production floor and in the Q.A. Engineering Department, and twice received the President’s Award for outstanding performance. He ultimately retired as Manager of the Quality and Tire Testing Lab. Dave was also a board member for the Firestone Credit Union, and upon retirement, served as the Credit Union Manager. While working and raising his family, he continued his education and earned a degree in Business and Public Administration from Drake University.

Dave grew up attending Central Lutheran Church and was a current member of Altoona United Methodist Church, actively involved in both church and community. For as long as his health would permit, he did volunteer work for the Des Moines VA Medical Center Palliative Care Unit. For many years, he was active in Junior Achievement and coached his kids’ little league teams.

Dave was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He cherished being a dad and grandpa, especially when watching his kids’ and grandkids’ sports activities, and teaching them how to bait a hook, dropkick a football, master a curveball or drive a stick shift. He was extremely proud of all of them, and always eager to hear about their interests and accomplishments. Dave was a sports car and muscle car enthusiast, and loved getting behind the wheel. He also enjoyed old movies, fishing, a cold beer, a grilled steak and Hawkeye football.

Dave is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Judy; sons Wesley White (Jackie), Jeff White (Mara) and Patrick White (Jody); daughter Allison White (Jason Tart); stepson Jon Stephens (Dawn) and stepdaughter Jodi Stephens (Rob Graves); and sister Donna Hove (Jay). Dave leaves behind 22 grandchildren and four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Gertie White.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 16, 2022 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 17, 2022 at Altoona United Methodist Church, 602 5th Avenue SW, Altoona and will be followed by a luncheon. Services will conclude with burial with military honors at 2:00 p.m. Monday at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the North High School Polar Bear Scholarship Fund.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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