Mrs. Halene Bay White (Mrs. White) was born on March 17, 1922.
She passed away peacefully on, August 30, 2021.

Today, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Mrs. White’s birth and her long-term mission to help our Nation’s military look their best. Mrs. White’s first husband, Bill Abbott, was a Soldier in WWII. He served honorably, but sadly passed away at an early age, leaving Mrs. White a widow with three young children. In 1968, she married Marlow V. White shortly after his uniform business had completely burned to the ground.

The new couple made an amazing team. They traveled hundreds of thousands of miles across America fitting our Military in sharp-looking uniforms. Over the years, their small business steadily grew from operating out of Marlow’s blue station wagon to a permanent home in Leavenworth, KS that is the headquarters for serving our Military’s dress uniform needs. Marlow White Uniforms is known for delivering the highest quality American dress uniforms and service.

Mrs. White left a legacy of hard work, striving for excellence, and unwavering support for our Military. Mrs. White saw each person as a friend, not just a customer. She took pride in making her many friends look good in their uniforms. She remembered their names, their needs, and even offered career advice when needed.

After Marlow White’s death in 1987, she continued to work in varying roles within the company until her death at the age of 99 in 2021. Even until her late 90’s, she would show up to work, dressed like a queen and ready to put in a solid day’s work. Suffering from poor health in her final days, she still called in frequently to offer encouragement, advice and admonition – always to support the dream which she created over nearly 50 years.

Over her almost century of life, Mrs. White grieved the loss of two husbands and two of her sons. She battled cancer and won. She squared off with countless economic and business challenges over the years to build a successful military dress uniform company. All of this she accomplished with poise and grace. All who knew her were blessed by her life, whether her “friends”, employees, or suppliers. We all miss her, but we are proud to carry forward her memory and legacy to the next generations of our Nation’s Military.

Obituary

Halene Bay Abbott White, 99, of Leavenworth, KS., passed away peacefully, August 30, 2021.

She was born March 17, 1922, in Bunker, MO., the daughter of Albert and Edith Bay. The family later moved to DeSoto MO., where she graduated from DeSoto High School. Halene loved performing in school productions and reciting long humorous poetry.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Abbott Sutton (Kim); granddaughters, Marly Kaeding, Megan and Molly Abbott; grandsons, Leslie Abbott (Tanya), David Abbott (Nora), Bay Abbott; great-grandsons, Cole, Landen, Zac Abbott, Landon Mishmash and granddaughter Hailey Abbott; three stepchildren, Maureen Enderlin, (Pete), Sheila White Moore, Marlow V. White II, (Dawn); and many great-grandchildren.

Along with her first husband, William Abbott, they owned and operated Abbott Butane/Propane Gas Company in Lawton, OK. After the death of William Abbott, she married Marlow White and together they started Marlow White Uniforms by traveling for 20 years to all the Army bases in the U.S., including Hawaii and Europe, eventually opening a permanent uniform store currently located at 400 Seneca Street in Leavenworth, KS. It has been a thriving and vital asset to our military community worldwide.

Because of her dedication to serving our military officers, she continued to work until age 95. She and Marlow loved to dance everything from Latin to Swing dancing and enjoyed traveling the world together.

She adored her family and cherished many dogs throughout her life. She was a terrific saleswoman, business owner, avid reader, wonderful cook, always generous, known for her faith in God and wise advice. Each person she touched was blessed by her life.

Please note the extended dates and that facial masks will be required for both services. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., September 16 at Davis Funeral Home, 531 Shawnee St., Leavenworth, KS.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., September 17, at Immaculate Conception Church, 711 North Fifth St. Leavenworth, KS. by Father Glenn Snow, O. Carm.

Halene had a lifelong love of dogs, she would be thankful for any memorial donations to help animals in need at the Hope Shelter, 101 N. Broadway, Leavenworth, KS. and also, Immaculate Conception Church.

Click here to read the obituary as it's posted on the Leavenworth Times.

Memorial Video

Photos of Mrs. White

 

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