Funeral service for Retired TSGT Chansel Leroy White, 88 of Copperas Cove, TX will be held Tuesday, September 28, 2021, 12:00 p.m. at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home in Killeen, TX. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 27, 2021 (6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.) at the funeral home.

Mr. White passed away September 19, 2021 in Copperas Cove, Texas.

Chansel Leroy White was born in Spotsylvania, Virginia on January 30, 1933, to William Taylor White and Beatrice Alberta White (both deceased).  He was the oldest of seven children.

Chansel acknowledged Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and grew up attending Shady Grove Baptist Church where he was baptized at a young age.  Later in life, he became a member of Second Baptist Church in Merced, California. His favorite song, Amazing Grace, witnessed his belief in the work done at Calvary on his behalf.  His favorite scripture, Psalm 30:5, should be a reminder that as we grieve his departure, joy will return in the morning.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1953 and traveled all over the world until he retired at Castle Air Force Base in Merced, California after 20+ years of service.  Chansel flew on 100 combat missions during his time in service, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam wars.  His awards included the Korean Service Ribbon, Vietnam Combat Medal for Service, Air Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Longevity Service Award w/4 Oak Leaf Clusters.

In 1973, Chansel married Estella Rodgers and welcomed to that union her two sons, John and Kenneth.  He and Stella were married for over 47 years.  Together they enjoyed traveling and camping in their motorhomes.  Chansel had many hobbies.  He enjoyed gardening, and willingly shared his produce with others.  He loved to fish. He could spend hours fishing and never catch a thing.

Throughout his life, Chansel was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend. During his last few months when asked how he was doing; Chansel's response was normally "I'm still here."  Although his body is no longer present with us, his spirit, personality, teaching, and love are still with us, and we can rejoice knowing that we will encounter him again one day.

Chansel is survived by his wife Estella; five daughters from a previous marriage, Crystal, Cheryl, Diane (Matt), Suni (Cleveland) and Yvette; two stepsons, John and Kenneth Rogers; two brothers, Franklin and Nathaniel; and two sisters, Iola and Virginia; 17 grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and great-grand- children. His nephew Curtis and niece Doll were of great assistance in Chansel's final days.  Because he never met a stranger, he will be missed by countless friends, including his hospice care team at Compassus of Temple, Texas and good friends Alvin & Maria Langford and Willis & Carolyn Taylor.