Terry W. White, 81 of Deer Lodge, MT, passed peacefully on March 25, 2025 surrounded by family and loved ones. Terry was born in Deer Lodge, MT on August, 29, 1943 to Bonnie and Jack White. He grew up with siblings Jim, Marjie and Betty. He had a love of horses and dogs and especially a love of Jehovah and the bible, even chauffeuring his grandmother Gertrude Andeson around in her ministry starting at the early age of 7. As a teen, he loved collecting old hubcaps and license plates as well as mechanicing on Ford flatheads and panning for gold. When he graduated in 1962, he began working on heavy highway construction as a mechanic, welder, stake setter and equipment operator.
In his 20s, he met Kathy Hughley, fell in love and they were married within 6 months in December of 1965 and they remained married until his death. They quickly started a family (Becky, Peggy, John and Ben). As a family, they loved going to assemblies of Jehovah’s Witnesses, picnicking, camping, mining for gold, spending time together as a family, and eventually, owning a patented gold mine and cabin previously owned by Grandpa Ben White and Uncle Gerald Hughley. Being a loving and dependable father was of utmost importance to Terry and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family as it grew to include extra daughters and 15 grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to his loving wife Kathy White of 59 years and his children Becky White, Peggy White, John (Vickie) White and Ben (Jessica) White, Terry is survived by his grandchildren Misty (Michael) Cease, Katie (Cody) Lemm, Annabel and Ellie White, Dawson and Daxton Cease, Bella and Carson Lemm, Kayla, Jackson and Sawyer Nulph; Brother Jim (Donna) White; Sister Betty (Jack) Main; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Terry was preceded in passing by granddaughter Sadee White, grandson Tucker Nulph and sister Marge (Jack) Scharf.
Terry will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends and will always be remembered for his witty sense of humor, mischievous smile and big personality.
Memorial Service will be held at the Anaconda Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 1:00 PM Saturday April 5th to be followed by a Meal at the Opportunity Community Center address is 3 North Hauser Street, Opportunity, MT 59711.
In leu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude Foundation, Deer Lodge Food Bank, or Charity of your choice
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Terry and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Terry.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 5, 2025
Anaconda Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
100 N Elm St
Anaconda, Montana 59711
Luncheon
Following Memorial Service
Saturday April 5, 2025
Community Center
Opportunity, Montana
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James Kinney says
Terry was one of a kind. Many of my fondest experiences from childhood took place at the White’s house or up at their mine, often laughing about the latest “present for Kathy” that Terry bought. (Usually an antique car, or the entire contents of the estate sale of a locksmith.) I loved Terry, and love the rest of the family like they’re my own. You all have my deepest condolences.
Becky White says
I remember driving into the mountains, gold mining, being up at the cabin. Also going to Billings for the convention. There was a cabinet in the garage that was his dad’s. It went through a couple floods so he and I refinished it. I learned how to use clamps, use a sander.
Jerry and Stephanie Coyne says
God bless the White Family. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Kurt and Lynn Unger says
We had the pleasure to get to know Terry. He was one of a kind! Always a freindly smile and extended his kindness to us. Loved being invited up to the cabin and learning to pan for gold! Our prayers are with you all!
Loren Dempsey says
I will always have great memories of Terry! He was always willing to give help and guidance to anyone! The trips to cabin in the mountains, and having him show me how to pan for gold are things I think about often! My condolences go out to the White family! I definitely will never forget Terry!
Rick Jordan says
I worked with Terry back in the late 70’s and early 80’s. He was a fine man and an excellent equipment operator with a wonderful sense of humor.
Jim Gaskell says
My condolences to the family when I lives across the street a few years ago Terry told me him and my brother Harry got caught shooting out street lamps with a BB gun !!! Guess I know the rest of the story !! Will miss Terry Rest In Peace
Jim
Shawn White says
Seeing his hubcap collection and hearing the stories about his adventures of gathering them was a highlite of visiting uncle Terry’s house. He had so many fun stories about his different experiences in life. He will truly be missed.