Edgar Allen White, 81

Edgar Allen White, 81, of Kalispell, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2015. He was born Sept. 1, 1933 in Covington, Kentucky.

During his 20 year service in the Air Force, Major White was a first navigator on a B-36 and a KC-97, a satellite operations officer, an aircraft commander, an instructor pilot as well as a pilot for the KC-135 with over 364 missions flown. He received five Air Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

During his service, he met and married the love of his life, Margaret Toillion of Eagle Grove, Iowa. They met in Great Falls, where Ed was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, and Margaret was an elementary education teacher. Together they had three children: Andy, Doug and Marcy.

Upon retiring in 1972, Ed moved his family to Whitefish. After visiting Glacier National Park on their honeymoon, Ed and Margaret knew this was the place they wanted to retire and raise their family. Whitefish was where they called “home.” They watched their children grow. They camped, skied, fished, and enjoyed all the things Montana had to offer, and together they involved themselves in their community and church.

With Margaret by his side, Ed opened his heart to the less fortunate and provided low-income housing for those in need.  He purchased and remodeled every apartment in the old Fernwell (Kalispell’s FIRST hospital) with some rents starting as low as $45 a month. When the Fernwell burned down in 1995, he used all his resources to do it again. Ed cared for all he met. He had a kind spirit and a gentle soul, and was strong when he needed to be.

Ed is survived by his sister, Jeanette, and his brother, Ron; his wife, Margaret White; his sons, Andy and Doug White; daughter, Marcy and husband Rich Birdsell, and grandchildren, Maddy and Jackson Birdsell, and Garrett, Braxton and Katie White.

A Christian vigil with family sharing will be held Monday evening at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.  Viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. The family blessing rosary will be following the viewing at 7. Family sharing will follow.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Charles Catholic Church in Whitefish. Burial following at Glacier Memorial located on Highway 93 North, Kalispell. Please return to St. Charles Parish Hall for a luncheon and time to visit after the burial.

Austin Funeral Home is caring for Ed’s family.