Bernie L. White, the son of Melvin Charles White and Ellen Elizabeth (Reber) White, was born Aug. 2, 1950, in Seneca, Kan. He died May 28, 2021, at the Filmore County Hospital, Geneva, Neb. at the age of 70 years, 9 months and 27 days.

Bernie grew up and attended school in Vermillion, Kan., until the age of 9 when his family moved to Glen Elder, where he graduated from Glen Elder High School in 1968. Following high school, Bernie attended Cloud County Community College. He later attended Kansas Wesleyan University where he earned his bachelor's degree in teaching in 1975.

Bernie began working for the Ell-Saline (USD 307) school district in 1975 as an elementary teacher; became principal at the Junior-Senior High School in 1987. He later earned a master's and EdD degrees and became superintendent in 1993. Bernie retired in 2005 after dedicating 30 years to the school district.

Bernie was united in marriage to Deanna Hoard on March 6, 2010. He adopted Deanna's son, Trenton, in 2011. The couple made their home in Formoso and later moved to Belleville.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; son, Trenton Mitchell; brother, Charles; and beloved aunt and uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Deanna, of Belleville; children (from previous marriage), Andy White of North Kansas City, Daniel White of Salina, Ellaina (Jason) Brightbill of Salina, and Bridget (Ryan) Brocato of Lee's Summit, Mo .; sister, Dodie (Don) Fisher; brothers, Paul (Carol) White, Ralph (Judy) White all of Salina; grandchildren: Jonah Mattson, Dylan and Nolan White, Fallon and Larsen Brocato, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cremation was selected and a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 24, at the United Methodist Church, Jewell, with Pastor Jim Rice, officiating.

The family will greet friends prior to the service at the church from 1 until 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Inurnment will be at the Randall Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Ell-Saline School District, USD 307 and may be sent in care of the funeral home, Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, P.O. Box 326, Belleville, Kan. 66935.

Online condolences and information at http://www.bachelor-surber.com.