Jay Dee White

Jay Dee White, age 79, of Sumner, Illinois passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Walnut Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on December 22, 1941 in Lukin Township, Illinois, the son of Hugh M. and Lucille (Loos) White. He married Judy Akers on June 06, 1965, and she survives.

Jay Dee was a carpenter contractor. He started his career working for his uncles, and then started his own business in 1977. Jay Dee has left his mark on many homes and businesses in Lawrence and surrounding counties. He was well-known as a master carpenter, artist, designer, and builder. He could take a piece of wood and turn it into a beautiful piece of furniture. He especially enjoyed building shaker furniture. In 2004, Jay Dee was named one of the top 200 craftsmen in the country by Early American Life Magazine. He also owned and operated Bonpas Creek Farm, where he raised Belted Galloway Cattle, pigs, and chickens.

Jay Dee served his community with spirit, support, and care. Jay Dee was a member of the Bethlehem New Light Church. He served his country in the United States National Guard. He served as a Lukin Township trustee for 59 years, as well as caring for the Lukin cemeteries for many years. He was one of the originators of the South Lawrence Water Corporation, serving as Director. Jay Dee served as trustee on the Christy Fire Department and as a board member of the 4-H Building and Grounds. He served on the school board for the Red Hill School District. He participated in Fred White’s Hay and Grain Train to South Carolina.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one son, Mark Sabine White.

Survivors include his wife, Judy; two children, Brant White and Mark Lindeman of Clay City, Illinois and Jennifer and Brian Emmons of Sumner, Illinois; one sister, Ann Bartram of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; four grandchildren, Emily and Michael Clettenberg, Hilary White, Adam Emmons, and Jacob Emmons; and one great-grandchild, Ethan White.

A celebration of life will be conducted on Monday, December 13, 2021 at 4:00 PM CST at the Bethlehem New Light Church, located at 3045 Sumner Road, Sumner, Illinois. Visitation will be on Monday from 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM CST at the church. A private burial will be in the Crest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Bethlehem New Light Church. Sivert-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Sumner, Illinois is in charge of the arrangements.

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