William Robert White

William Robert White III was called home to Heaven on January 21, 2026, after courageously battling the lasting complications of a massive stroke over the past five years. 
Robert was born on August 2, 1948 in Caruthersville, MO to William Robert “Bill” White Jr. and Thelma Elizabeth White. In 1951, the family moved to New Madrid, MO where Bill White opened a shoe shop that became a longtime staple of Main Street. Robert grew up in New Madrid and attended New Madrid High School where he enjoyed baseball, track and the marching band. After graduation, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he attended and graduated from Nashville Diesel College.

After completing his education, Robert returned to New Madrid and worked at John Deere as a mechanic where he loved repairing, overhauling and collecting vintage tractors. When Noranda came to town in 1970, he was among the very first employees hired. He dedicated the next 44 years of his life there until his retirement in 2014. Over the years, he built lasting friendships and valued his work family deeply. 

Robert was the proud father of two sons, William Robert White IV (Robbie) and Sean Nicholas White (Nickie). He was preceded in death by his son Nickie on June 24, 2022. In 1987, he married Linda Kathern White and together they built a home filled with faith, family, and a shared love for their furry family members. Among his favorite was his dog Obie. Linda remains at their home today and was a constant source of love, care, and devotion throughout his life.

Robert was a man of tireless dedication, always preferring to work hard over taking a vacation. He had a great love for the St. Louis Cardinals, Dale Earnhardt and music - especially the timeless sounds of Elvis Presley and Eric Clapton. Known for his gift of conversation, Robert could connect with just about anyone, making friends wherever he went. He had a hands-on passion for building, repairing and fixing things, always ready to lend a helping hand to family, friends, or neighbors in need. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill White in 2005 and Thelma White in 2014, and by his son Nickie White in 2022.

Robert is survived by his wife Linda Kathern White of Malden, MO, his devoted son William Robert White IV of Cape Girardeau, MO and his two brothers Charles White of Lilbourn, MO and Joe White (Carol) of Bertrand, MO.

He is remembered by his nieces Abby (Darin) Mims of New Madrid, MO and Cammy (Justin) Gilmer of Mumford, TN; Chelsea (Todd) Williams of Halls, TN and Alleigh Jo White of Cape Girardeau, MO as well as his four granddaughters, Brittany Leggett (Daniel) of Portageville, MO and their children Campion and Luna; Hannah White of Paragould, AR who is engaged to be married to Logan Hunt; Maddi White of Cape Girardeau, MO and Sophia White of Portageville, MO.

Robert will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

visitation will be Tuesday February 3rd, 2026 from 5-8 pm at Richards Funeral Home and Wednesday February 4th, 2026 from 11am to 1pm with Funeral Service at 1 pm at Richards Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery

Pallbearers will be Ron Miller, Logan Hunt, Daniel Leggett and Darin Mims. Honorary pallbearers will be Hubert Harris, Mike Brown, Tommy Chism aNd Bill Boyd all of New Madrid, MO