Dr. John Rocky White's Obituary
Dr. John “Rocky” White, 52, of Decatur, suddenly passed away on Jan. 18, the result of an airplane crash near Huntsville, Ala. Rocky was chairman of the Department of Surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, and served on its board of directors. His career at St. Mary’s began in July 1990, and included the role as president of its medical staff from 2006-2008.
Along with his responsibilities as a surgeon, Rocky provided trauma surgical care to several area hospitals, including Decatur Memorial, Pana Community Hospital, John Warner Hospital in Clinton, and most recently, Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.
Rocky was founder of Surgical Specialists of Central Illinois, and established offices in Decatur and Champaign. He dedicated his life and tireless energies toward helping others and frequently provided surgical care to those who could not afford medical insurance. Rocky belonged to numerous professional medical societies, and was elected to consecutive terms as president of the Macon County Medical Society.
Rocky took particular interest in his role on the WSOY-AM 1340 radio program “Health Styles” with host Kelly Hazenfield. He never missed a Tuesday evening show, and enjoyed fielding listeners’ questions about present and future medical procedures. For several years, Rocky participated each October in the “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign to support breast cancer awareness.
An avid private pilot, Rocky volunteered his airplane and pilot services to Kansas City-based Angel Flight Central, and Air Lifeline Pilots, in nearby Peoria. He was active in the Decatur community, and enjoyed supporting Little League baseball.
He was preceded in death by his father, Honorable John L. White, and his mother, Theresa M. White, Ph.D.
Survivors include his wife, Leslie nee Fenner, and son, John “Jack” White. Other survivors include his sister, Joyce Smith, brother, Joseph Christine, and brothers-in-law Earl Faith, Ray Barbara and Brian. White is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all.
Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2810 N. Monroe St., Decatur. A memorial mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23. Burial will be private.
Donations may be made in memory of Dr. John White to Angel Flight Central, 10 Richards Road, Kansas City, Mo, 64116.
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