Dates
Loyd Burton "Popper" White, 87, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, in San Angelo.
Please join family and friends for a remembrance of life service at 10:00 AM Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Pastor Russ Frazier, pastor of Forgiven Ministries Biker Church, officiating. Military honors will be afforded by the Goodfellow Honor Guard Team. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.
Loyd Burton White "Popper" was born December 28,1936 in Slaton to L.G. "Glenard" White & Lona Faye "Jo" Townsend White. The oldest of four children, he spent his childhood in and around Slaton, where he worked on his grandparent's cotton farm. The family left Slaton for Bakersfield, California in 1952. After graduating high school, Loyd spent a brief time in college before joining the United States Air Force.
During his time in the Air Force, stationed at Barksdale AFB Louisiana, he met the love of his life, Joe Ann "Jody" Faust. The two were married on December 17, 1956. The couple had three children while living in Louisiana, Sandra Ann, Loyd Burton, II, and Rhonda Joy. The family led an adventurous life, getting to travel the world, living in places like Germany, Taiwan & the Philippines. Loyd was also a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict. During their travels to different duty stations, the family made many lifelong friends, who became more like family over the years. Loyd and Joe Ann decided to retire to San Angelo. Loyd held several jobs after his initial retirement, such as a security guard, jailor for Tom Green County and finally working back at Goodfellow Air Force Base for AAFES. His final job was as a grocery bagger at the commissary where he finally retired again in 2017.
Popper was a cowboy at heart who loved country music and horses. He was quick with a smile and a story and never missed a chance to stop and talk to a stranger or help a person in need. He also never missed a chance to rummage through a base dumpster to find treasures where others only saw trash. Popper was special to everyone who met him, and he showed the people in his life love through small acts, either through kind words or small treats, like peppermints in his pockets. He showed the world that it is the little things that really do matter. Family gatherings with Popper were always made special with his famous char-grilled ribs, complete with colorful commentary from the chef and a story and a cold beer after the meal.
Popper passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends on February 10, 2024. Loyd was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and a brother, Gene White and wife Marjorie. He is survived by his sister, Sue Cierley; and brother, Don White and wife Dona, all of Bakersfield, California. Loyd is also survived by his three children and their families, Sandra White Meyers and spouse, Steven of Elizabeth, Colorado, Loyd B. "Burt" White and spouse Kimberly of Merrimack, New Hampshire, and Rhonda Butler of San Angelo. Loyd also leaves behind a legacy of seven grandchildren, Shatzie Meyers Wardall and husband Mark, Loyd Daniel Butler and wife Leslie, Kelly Butler and wife Ashley, Molly Butler Mitchum and husband Melvin, Shayne and Michelle Meyers, Michael White and wife Katelyn and Jonathon White; and eleven great grandchildren, Ayslynn, Cayden, Torin and Mathew Wardall, Evalynn and Xandra Meyers, Raegan and Bax Butler, Emersyn Baker, and Sequoia and Anna Butler; along with many other "adopted" children and grandchildren and nieces and nephews.