WHITE, Rev. Fr. Leroy E. – of Davison, age 94, passed away on October 7, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1 PM Friday, October 11, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 404 N. Dayton Street, Davison, MI 48423; Rev. Fr. Andrew A. Czajkowski celebrant. Interment will be in St. John Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive visitors 3-8 PM Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the church. A Rosary will be prayed 6 PM Thursday followed by a Memorial Service under the auspices of the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree at the church. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the Mass on Friday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Building Fund, in Father Leroy’s memory.
Rev. Father Leroy White was born on November 6, 1929, in Flint, MI, the son of late Levi and Ruby (Raymond) White. He pursued his early education at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit and later graduated from St. John Provincial Seminary in Plymouth. He was ordained into the priesthood on June 2, 1956, in Lansing, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to serving the Catholic Church and its communities.
Throughout his ministry, Father Leroy served in numerous parishes across Michigan. His assignments included St. Casimir in Lansing (1956-1959), St. Philip in Battle Creek (1959-1961), St. John the Evangelist in Benton Harbor (1961-1964), St. Joseph in Howell (1964-1967), Immaculate Conception in Three Rivers (1967-1972), St. Mary in Kalamazoo (1982-1990), and St. Joseph in St. Joseph (1990-1994). Upon his retirement, he continued to serve for eight years at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Davison.
In addition to his parish duties, Father Leroy extended his pastoral care to many other areas. He was a Civilian Chaplain at Fort Custer AFB in Battle Creek and served as the head of the Cursillo movement in Battle Creek for over 20 years. His ministry also reached those in prison, where he provided spiritual guidance as a chaplain. From 1979 to 1981, he served as the State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, a role that capped his long-standing involvement with the organization, which began in 1956 and continued throughout his life.
Father Leroy’s love for the outdoors was well known. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed spending time gardening and golfing. His fondness for nature was reflected in his cherished trips to his cabin in Gaylord, where he found solace and joy in the beauty of Michigan’s wilderness.
A man of faith, service, and deep connection to the community, Father Leroy’s legacy is one of devotion, compassion, and a genuine love for both his faith and the natural world around him.
Father Leroy is survived by his sister, Theresa Charron; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sister, Elaine Mather, nephew, John Charron and a host of friends.