Eugene Richard “Skip” White, age 78, of Shiloh, passed away on Friday night, September 26, 2025.
Born July 24, 1947 in Oberlin, Ohio, Skip was a 1965 graduate of South Central High School. Skip was employed for several years at Plymouth Locomotive as a welder/fabricator and then spent most of his career as a professional truck driver traveling coast to coast. After retirement, he truly enjoyed driving truck for Niese Farms. A man of faith, he was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Ontario.
For 54 years, Skip shared a life full of laughter and adventure with the love of his life, Sharon. Together, they raised two children, Shane and Sabrina. He only had two kids but took part in raising many others who wanted to hang around the White house. Skip had a talent for making you feel special. He always was quick to share a story with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. He was always willing to impart his wisdom on anyone who looked to him for advice.
A lifelong Harley Davidson enthusiast, he found his ‘wind therapy’ on the open road, sharing many rides with his friends and especially enjoyed riding along with Shane. One of his last happy moments was taking part in the restoration of his beloved 1979 Harley Davidson Low Rider and basking in one final ride shortly before his passing. He was a member of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club.
Summers often found Skip and Sharon traveling to northern Michigan to spend time with friends and family, where he enjoyed fishing and swapping tall tales around the campfire. He was an excellent cook, unless it was Wednesday morning. Wednesdays were reserved for time with his closest friends over breakfast.
He was a devoted Cleveland Indians baseball fan, a Columbus Blue Jackets hockey fan- which he held season tickets to, and The Ohio State University Buckeyes football fan. He so wanted to see these teams win championships. His favorite hockey team, however, was whichever team his twin grandsons played for. He enjoyed cheering them on from the stands and was so proud of them.
He loved to share one of his favorite sayings, “It’s hard to soar with the eagles in the morning when you party with the turkeys all night.” Friends and family can confirm he usually delivered it with a grin and perfect timing. Skip’s quick wit, generous spirit, and big-hearted storytelling will be cherished and missed by the countless lives he touched. He may be gone, but his laughter and love will echo in our hearts forever.
On October 16, 1971, Skip married Sharon Kay (Viars) White and she survives along with their son: Shane (Caroline) White of Shelby; daughter: Sabrina (Steve) Heckathorne of Gahanna; grandchildren: Mercedes (Anthony) Gallagher- whose wedding Papaw proudly officiated, Carter Kessler (Diana Rodriguez), Triston White, Hayden White, Calliope White, Stuart Heckathorne, and Samuel Heckathorne; great grandchildren: Brayden, Harper, and Deacon; siblings, Perry Rusynyk of Willard and Tom (Joy) Rusynyk of Norwalk; sister-in-law: Brenda Eberly; and other relatives and friends. Skip was preceded in death by his parents: John and Marge (Pearce) Rusynyk; in-laws: Bill “Beardy” and Dody Viars; and his brother-in-law who died in infancy: Jerry. It is certain he is up in heaven with his special fur friend, his beloved dog, Opie.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 10:30 am. Pastor Dave Davenport will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Anyone wishing to ride their motorcycle in the funeral procession should know it is encouraged and welcomed. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church or Richland County Humane Society.
Condolences may be made on Skip’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).