Robert E. White

Robert E White, 79, passed away at home on October 6, 2023 in Alto New Mexico surrounded by his loving family after a yearlong struggle with cancer.   He was born March 26, 1944 in Alamogordo, NM to Andrew and Helen (Goforth) White

Survivors include his wife, Kitty White of the family home, his son, Todd (Felicia) White of Albuquerque, his daughter Micki (Sean) Gabaldon of Belen, and his son Gary (Lucinda) of Denver.  He has six beautiful grandchildren, Quinn, Nathan, Catherine, Preston and twins Jonathan and Lucas and four step grandchildren, Connor, Christian, Lizzy and Mia.  He will also be missed by many nephews, nieces and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Helen White, brother Andy, and sister, Jeanette, as well as his in-laws Dr. Jerry and Barbara Birdwell.

Robert “Bob” White was a beloved dentist.  Having started his practice in 1972 he touched the lives of many patients over the years.  Growing up in the area, Bob started school at the “red brick school house” in Tularosa before transferring to North school in second grade.  His Family home was at the corner of Washington and 10th street.  He road his bike, went to occasional movies and enjoyed his cousins and family.   Bob started playing in the band in sixth grade.  He asked fellow band member Kitty Birdwell on a date in December of 1960 and graduated from Alamogordo HS in 1962.  They attended New Mexico State University and were married in 1965.  Having obtained his Doctorate of Dentistry from Creighton University he applied his skills as a Captain in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972 before returning to Alamogordo to establish his practice.  Over the years he moved from a modest building with a leaky roof to a beautiful building he designed.   He and Kitty built a thriving practice based on kindness and quality care.  He was a proud member of the Alamogordo Rotary Club.  Through Rotary he, Dr Don Ham and Jim Harris established the Mexico Medical Project joining other Alamogordo medical professionals to provide impoverished Mexican villages with dental and medical services.

Bob was a reserved man but a wealth of history and knowledge once engaged.  He enjoyed golf in Alto, woodworking in his shop, traveling, hunting, camping and fishing.  He could be counted on to welcome family and friends with a warm smile and a good bottle of wine.  He and Kitty were very proud and involved grandparents; Bobs legacy lives on through them.

Inurnment will be celebrated at St. Jude Parish Columbarium on Friday, October 13 at 11 am, with a luncheon to follow at the church Parish Hall.

The White family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the services.

Should friends desire, contributions may be made to the Children's Diabetes Association; 3025 S. Parker Rd., Suite 110; Aurora, CO 80014.

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