Larry Melvin White

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Larry Melvin White, age 86, of Duchesne, passed away with his wife, Cynthia, beside him, caring for him in his final moments, on March 8, 2026.Larry was born on May 6, 1939, in a two-room log house located four miles north of Duchesne, Utah. The home had been built years earlier by his grandfather, Oscar T. White, and great-uncle Levi White for their parents, John C. and Mary Ann White. This connection to earlier generations and to the land itself shaped Larry’s outlook from the beginning. He was the eldest of eight children born to Melvin Baxendale and Lola Marie Baum White, and from an early age learned responsibility and the value of hard work.

After graduating from high school, Larry attended Utah State University, where he studied Forest Management. While at USU, he met Gail Miller, and they were married on September 15, 1959, in the Logan Temple. Larry earned his bachelor’s degree in June 1961, beginning a lifelong career devoted to agriculture, rangelands, and scientific study.

Larry’s professional career began with the Bureau of Land Management, with early assignments in Miles City, Montana, and Belle Fourche, South Dakota. In 1966, he transferred to the Agricultural Research Service in Sidney, Montana. While working full-time, he continued his education, earning a Master’s degree in Agronomy and later a Doctorate in Plant and Soil Science. With his PhD, Larry was hired as a research scientist for the Agricultural Research Service, a role he filled for the remainder of his career. His work took place primarily in Sidney, Montana, and later in Woodward, Oklahoma, where he became known for his dedication to research and agriculture. Over his career, Dr. Larry M. White wrote or co-wrote 60 published research papers.

Larry and Gail became the parents of five children: Shawn, Dean, Glenn, Elaine, and Marvin. During the years his children were growing up, Larry combined his professional interests with everyday life. He organized range rides and plant identification contests and helped his children raise steers, horses, sheep, and even one rabbit. These activities reflected his enduring interest in agriculture and livestock, particularly horses, which remained a constant presence throughout his life.

Faith played a central role in Larry’s life. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He valued temple work and spent many hours engaged in family history research, carefully documenting and preserving connections across generations. His commitment to learning was evident throughout his life.

Following his retirement, Larry entered a new chapter. He worked on dude ranches in Michigan, Colorado, California, and Arizona, combining his love of horses with travel and outdoor work. He lived for a time in San Juan Creek, Colorado, before returning to Duchesne, Utah, and later spent winters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While in Albuquerque, Larry met Cynthia Tsinnijinnie Billie, and they were married on May 12, 2018.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his stepchildren, Rhonda Brewer, Jessie Billy and Tiffany Billie all of Albequerque, NM; his children, Shawn (Carol) White of Richmond, UT; Dean (Heather) White of Allen, TX; Elaine (Rex) Dent of Boise, ID; and Marvin (Terri) White of Richmond, UT; his siblings Tom White of Sherwood, OR; Alan (Janice) White of Heber City, UT; Gloria (Ray) Jensen of American Fork, UT; and Penny (Tracy) Smith of Draper, UT; 28 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Leileda Billie; his son, Glenn White; parents, Melvin and Lola White; his brother Lynn White; and his sisters Sherry Mitchell and Ann Marie White.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Duchesne 1st & 3rd Ward Chapel. A viewing will be held from 9:30 - 10:45 AM.

Burial will be in the Utahn Cemetery.