Wesley B. White

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Wesley Benjamin White passed away peacefully April 29, 2024. He was married to Jackie Harrington for 35 years and together they raised three daughters Rachel, Megan and Elizabeth.

Wes was born January 30, 1964 in Des Moines to David White and Linda Suplee. He graduated from East High in 1982 and continued his education at Iowa State University where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, and received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, active duty. He later went on to receive his Master’s Degree at Illinois State University.

Wes began his military career in August 1987 at Ft. Moore, GA (FKA as Ft. Benning) and proudly served with honor and distinction as an Infantry Officer. His service sent him around the world training and developing young soldiers and future officers. He was assigned to the 3-36th Infantry Regiment (later 5-5 Calvary) where he completed Bradley Commander courses. While stationed in West Germany, Wes guarded the Fulda Gap as part of the 3rd Armored Division. He also witnessed and participated in the demolition of the Berlin Wall. Wes deployed to Iraq for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Wes was an instructor at the Infantry Officer Basic School at Ft. Moore, served as a company commander at Ft. Campbell, KY 101st Air Assault Division, deployed to Ft. Randolph in Panama, and taught ROTC at Illinois State University. He finished his career at the Pentagon serving in the Operations/Training Divisions (G3) reorganizing Division structures, developing Stryker Brigades, and as a Force Development Directorate Executive Office. After the G3, Wes was assigned to Resource Management (G8) where he served working on the Future Combat System program, multiple Force Protection initiatives, and a tour of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Headquarters, Department of the Army liaison officer to the U.S. Central Command. Following the September 11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, he helped to ensure critical management functions were quickly restored resulting in no loss of department productivity – despite the need to relocate offices due to damages. Wes retired in August of 2007.

LTC White’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with star, and the Kuwait and Saudi Arabia Liberation Medals. He was also the proud recipient of the coveted Ranger Tab, Airborne and Air Assault Tabs, the Expert Infantry Badge, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Wes will be remembered as a prolific student of military history and a consummate trainer whose quick wit challenged all who were fortunate to serve with him.

After retiring from active duty Wes continued to serve as a member of the Military Officers Association of American (MOAA) Iowa Chapter where he served as President. Wes worked for Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids and Power Film Solar in Ames. Wes was also a Mason.

Wes enjoyed hosting friends for parties in his home by setting up yard games, grilling, playing Frank Sinatra and making sure the lights were dimmed at the perfect settings for his guests. He managed an ever-growing list of at-home DIY projects and was always eager to check the next one off his list. He often quoted from his favorite movies such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Casablanca and Patton. He loved inviting guests into his library to discuss world events, and share his excitement for the “classics”.

Wes is survived by Jackie, his daughters Rachel (Mark) Schreck of Pleasant Hill, Megan (Michael) Bowden of Cedar Falls and Elizabeth White of Chicago; mother Linda (John) Malloy of Des Moines, stepmother Judy White of Altoona; his beloved grandchildren Addison and Arthur Schreck, and Edison Bowden; siblings Jeff (Mara) White, Patrick (Jody) White, Allison (Jason) Tart; step-siblings Jon (Dawn) Stephens, Jodi Stephens, Johnny and Adam Malloy, and Christy (Joe) Tumea; numerous extended family members, and life-long friends.

He was preceded in death by his father David White, grandparents Benjamin and Gertrude White, and Bertram and Ellen Suplee.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by funeral service at 12:30 on Wednesday May 22, 2024 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home East, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter.

Memorials may be given in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.

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