Dewell Franklin White

“As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord.”-

Joshua 24:15

 Dewell Franklin White, 84, of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 after a lengthy illness with Alzheimer’s. He was a native of Lexington, AL, and later moved to Florence, AL. In 1959, after marrying his sweetheart, he relocated to Baton Rouge for work and family.

 During his lifetime, he owned an upholstery business specializing in classic car interiors and furniture for many years. Later, he became an ironworker and member of the Ironworkers Union Local 623. Dewell was employed by Turner Industries, working several years at BASF in Geismar, LA until his retirement.

 Fondly known as ‘Duke’ by his closest friends and family, he enjoyed family gatherings, helping neighbors & friends, bass fishing in his favorite lakes & rivers, crafting handmade crank baits, and playing the harmonica. Dewell was a loving, kind, giving, man with a huge heart, a contagious smile, and was a good friend to many. He was a member of Oakcrest Baptist Church.

 He was the son of the late Reverend B. C. and Maggie King White of Florence, AL. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, R. Delbert White, also of Florence, and C. Owen White of Hixson, TN.

 He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara Janell Clutts White, daughter, Kim Doran (Dan) of Prairieville, LA; daughter, Jaime Chatelain (Andy) of Alpharetta, GA; grandchildren, Brandon Chatelain, Aimee Doran, Sean Doran, Jordan Chatelain (Claire), Taylor Glass (Peyton), Dylan Chatelain; and great-grandchild, Easton Doran.

 He is also survived by brother-in-law, David W. Clutts (Melanie), Elgin, SC; sister-in-law, Doris White, Hixson, TN; former sister-in-law Margie Moore, Florence, AL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 A private ‘Celebration of Life’ for family will take place at Thanksgiving. Plans for a reception for friends & family remain pending at this time & will be announced at a later date.

 The family extends gratitude and love to the wonderful staff at Fidelis House-King Richard & Curae Med Pass for your kindness and exceptional care during our loved one’s stay.

 Thank you to the remarkable Amedysis Hospice care team for your professionalism, compassion, guidance and availability to the family.

 We also express our appreciation to Paulette & the Med Pass team for their excellent care during the first two and a half years of memory care placement.