of Little Rock, AR
November 17, 1939 - December 23, 2025
Charles Darrell White, 85, of Ferndale, AR, joined his Heavenly Father on December 23, 2025. Born to Vernon Kanady White and Ida Marie Quast White on November 17, 1939, Darrell grew up and lived in the Ferndale area for more than 60 of his 85 years. He married Cleda Cleon Curtis on January 8, 1960, and they had 2 children, Charles David White, who tragically preceded Darrell in death on November 15, 1975 at the age of 11, and Danny Loren White. Much to his permanent regret, their marriage legally ended after 31 years together. Later in life, Darrell married Carol Lynn Lindsey on August 12, 2003, whom he lived with in Harrison, AR for almost 22 years. Much to his sadness Carol preceded him in death on March 2, 2025.
Out of necessity, Darrell conditioned himself to reliability and hard work early in life. This translated throughout his life as his love languages in the form of protection and provision. After graduating from Joe T. Robinson High School in 1957 he joined the Navy and following boot camp trained as a submarine planes-man and as a helmsman. After serving part of his 6-year enlistment in the Pacific Ocean, he completed his term landside and began looking to the future. Darrell held a deep interest in all things mechanical, from the most intricate of small machines to the largest of trucks and tractors. He and Cleda moved to Nashville, TN in 1963 for him to attend diesel mechanic's school where he completed accreditation as a Certified Diesel Mechanic. As time moved forward and his family grew, Darrell moved from full time mechanic work to full-time truck driver in the early 1970's. It was from this role that he finally and fully retired in 2017 at the age of 78.
First and foremost, Darrell loved The Lord his God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. His generous spirit and willingness to help others at his own expense fully exhibited his recognition of the blessings that God had poured out him even in the midst of sorrow and hardship. Darrell's years of life experiences were a testament to his ability to learn and accomplish for the benefit of his family and others. As an accomplished carpenter, electrician, and plumber he built three homes for his family in his lifetime. Darrell ran a contract school bus company while working full time in the freight industry. He always farmed a large garden and raised cattle on the side for the benefit of many. Darrell believed that having opportunity to do work for the church and help those in need was full receipt of a blessing asked.
Darrell is survived by his son, Danny White and wife Sonja of Oklahoma City, OK; grandson Seth White and wife Hannah of Springdale, AR; granddaughter Dannah Jo Stelting and husband Tyler of Oklahoma City, OK; great-grandchildren Samuel White, Ollie Stelting, Shiloh White, Lennon Stelting, Selah White, Marlie Stelting, and Stephen White; brother, Vernon Arthur White of Ferndale, AR; niece Cindy Marcum and husband Jeff of Clayton, NC; great-nephew Andrew Marcum of Clayton, NC; great-niece Erin Marcum of Clayton, NC. Darrell is also survived by the children of his late wife Carol, Todd Townsley and Tamera Koeneman.
A visitation will be from 4:00pm until 6:00pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211. A graveside service will be at 11:00am on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Walnut Grove Cemetery.