WHITE
Holton—Marlin White, 71, of Holton, died Wednesday, May 24, 2006. He was born on June 4, 1934 in Lincoln, Kansas to Ralph and Mabel Eggle White. He graduated from Salina High School in 1952. From 1950-1965 he worked in Salina and Topeka for the Union Pacific Railroad as a yard clerk, switchman and engine foreman. He served in the United States Air Force Aviation Cadets from 1954-1956. He graduated from Washburn University with a BBA in 1960, and from Washburn University School of law in 1963, where he was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, and attained the degree of juris doctor.
He moved to Holton in 1963 where he officed with attorney Don Sands. He later founded White Law Office, and in 1984 his son Dennis joined him in the firm. Marlin continued to practice law until his death. He had served as city attorney for Holton since 1979, and was a State of Kansas Employment Security Division Board of Review attorney since 1967. He was past president of the Jackson County Bar Association and a member of the Kansas Bar Association. He served many years as secretary of the Second Judicial District Nomination Committee. He was often appointed as an assistant attorney general, special prosecutor, judge pro tem, and as a special master. He was also admitted to practice before the United State Supreme Court.
Marlin was past president of Holton Chamber of Commerce, Holton Rotary Club, Holton City Hospital Board of Directors, and Holton PTA. He was also a member of the American Legion, Jackson County Historical Society, Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He had served on the Board of Directors for Homestead and the Holton Country Club. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and had served as an elder.
He was a sports fan who loved fishing, hunting, golfing and cheering on his favorite pony. He was a Little League coach. He canoed every stream in northeast Kansas with his buddy Bill Mercer.
He was a gentleman farmer and an occasional auctioneer. He and Bernie Bottenberg formed Jackson County Development Company and built many homes in the Holton area. He was a conservative democrat.
Gifted with remarkable wit, a poetic heart and acute memory, he was both educational and entertaining. He was an eloquent speaker and a strong baritone song leader.
He and his wife Frances loved traveling and had visited six continents, many islands, all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and Central America.
Marlin married Frances Hetzel on April 2, 1955 in Papillion, Nebraska. She survives. Other survivors include three daughters: Kathy Slayton and husband Keith of Marshall, Texas; Denise White of Dodge City/Circleville; Catherine (Cathy) Marten and husband David of Onaga; a son Dennis White and wife Joni of Holton; a sister Marlene Zimmerman and husband Alan of Wichita; seven grandchildren: Roddy Muncey, Tina Mathos and husband Scott, David Marten II and wife Danielle, Nanci White, Kennedy White, Annie Marten, and Joseph Marten; two great-grandchildren, Allie and Aaron Mathos; and four sisters-in-law, Ruthie McGuire and husband Ollie, Della Evenson, Roby Harries and husband Jim, and Carolyn Hetzel. Marlin is also survived by many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2006 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton. Family will greet friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. A celebration of life will be 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Holton Country Club. Memorials may be given to the Sitzler Fund for the needy, Holton, Kansas and sent c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, Kansas 66436. Online condolences are available at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.