Daniel G. White, Sr.

Daniel Glen White, Sr. died Friday, September 16, 2022, at his home.  He was born March 26, 1938, in Kalamazoo, MI, the son of the late Henry P. and Elsie V. (Metzger) White and had been a lifelong area resident.

As a kid, Dan was better known as “Butch” by his family.  He attended elementary school in Kalamazoo and Augusta – later transferring to Battle Creek schools in junior high and graduating from Battle Creek Central in 1956.  After graduation, Dan joined the US Air Force, serving until his honorable discharge in 1960.  During this time, he met and married Clova Meek in Tucson, AZ and his son Daniel Glen Jr. was born. The family then returned to the Kalamazoo area and shortly after, Douglas Alan was born.  Dan and Clova later divorced.  Dan worked various jobs for a few years until becoming a Federal Officer at the Battle Creek Federal Center and joining the KCSD Civil Defense.  During this time, Dan also worked as a police officer for Augusta and Galesburg Police Departments and served as a volunteer firefighter.

Early in the 1970’s, Dan married Gail Wilson and together they had a daughter, Abigail Shauna.  The family started a small farm with many animals. Late in the 1980’s, Dan and Gail divorced.

Dan pursued his interest in law enforcement, attending the Chicago Police Academy in the late 1960’s.  In 1971, he was hired by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department and attended the KVCC Police Academy.  Dan earned the rank of Sergeant while working in the jail and when he decided to transfer to Patrol, he gave up those stripes – later earning them back, first as a Corporal and then a Sergeant.  Dan served as the KCSD Explorer Post Advisor on two separate occasions and traveled with “his kids” to Nationals in Boston MA, Boulder CO, and Columbia SC.  After retirement from KCSD in 1998, Dan worked a few part-time jobs before settling into security positions with KPS, MPI and finally Friendship Village.

On November 7, 1992, Dan married the former Nancy M. Marsman who survives.  Also surviving are his children: Dan White Jr, Doug White and Abby (Guy) Santek; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and sister Constance Summers.

From childhood, Dan LOVED to fish and almost every vacation away contained at least a day of fishing.  He also loved to ride his Honda Goldwing, snowmobile, camp, travel and just be outside – but most of all, he loved spending time with his wife Nancy.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held 1pm Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo MI 49009. Daniel’s family will begin greeting guests at the funeral home at 11am and immediately following the service. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 3pm in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Those wishing to attend should be in the cemetery’s funeral assembly area by 2:45. Memorials may be directed to Centrica Care Navigators.  Special thanks go out to Dan’s care team: Stephanie, Dion, Natalie, and Kim – you all are very special people. To view Daniel’s online obituary, sign the guest book and leave messages for the family, please visit https://www.langelands.com