In Loving Memory of Theodore Phelps White 'Ted'

Theodore Phelps White ‘Ted’, passed away on October 17, 2023. On Easter Sunday, Gretchen and Tom awakened to bells tolling from a nearby chapel after Gretchen gave birth to their son. He was the grandson of James Phelps and Lou Tomlinson White.
Ted’s hobbies consisted of 3 favorite pursuits: golf, flying and fishing.
His love of golf started at a young age. During the summers, he would ride his bike to the golf course to practice and play. As a teenager, his dad introduced him to his first mentor, the legendary University of Texas Coach, Harvey Penick. While attending the University of Texas on a golf scholarship, Harvey’s teaching and hours of practice were rewarded with many tournament titles, highlighted by 4 New Mexico Amateur championships. His last win was at 39 years of age.
Ted loved to fly. He entered the US Army and went to flight school in Texas and Alabama. He was proficient in both single and twin-engine planes as well as helicopters.
He left the service to return to Roswell to assist his father and help manage their farm. He didn’t pick up a golf club for 5 years as he worked hard to get the farm on solid footing. Calling on years of practice; his first round of golf in those 5 years was the practice round of the 1968 New Mexico Amateur, held in his Roswell hometown. He shot a 7 under 65 and went on to win the tournament (his 10-year-old son Teddy caddied for him.)
His last love was fishing for bass and fly fishing for trout. As a youngster, many summer vacations were spent fishing in South Fork, Colorado with his cousins and that tradition continued with his own family for many years.
Teddy was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Gretchen and sister Cheryl and first cousin, Mary Lou Glass. Teddy is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marianne, sons Teddy (wife Carol), Mitchell, and daughter Suzanne. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Teddy Dustin, Aaron (wife Sadie), Alisa and Andrew (wife Emily). Other surviving members of the JP White family are first cousins J Phelps White III (wife Corina) of Ocala, FL, David White of Littlefield, TX, and David McGee (wife Mary) of Roswell.
Honoring Ted’s wishes, there will be no services at this time.
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