Willmon L. White, of Evanston, died peacefully on June 1st at the age of 89 with his family at his side. Will lived a long life filled with family, discovery and humor. He was born on March 10, 1932 on a farm near Lamesa, Texas, in the heart of the Dust Bowl. He was a graduate and distinguished alumnus of McMurry University in Abilene and earned his Master’s in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin in 1956. Will had a successful career as a journalist, writer and editor, serving as editor for Together magazine, as well as The Christian Advocate of the United Methodist Church before becoming senior editor at World Book Encyclopedia in Chicago in 1970 where he produced expanded entries on the moon and space travel shortly after the U.S. moon landing. He joined Rotary International in Evanston in 1974, first in the role of editor and then as editor-in-chief of the international magazine, The Rotarian, until his retirement in 2000. His work, which took him to more than 60 countries, encompassed everything from interviewing courageous icons like Mother Teresa and Jesse Owens to reporting on Rotary’s global effort to eradicate polio. Will also served as manager of communications, associate general secretary and general manager of the Rotary Foundation, and creator and manager of the Rotary archives. He was the primary editor of Rotary’s centennial history, published in 2005, and assisted with the 100-year history of the Rotary Foundation, published in 2015. In his 70s Will took up motorcycle touring and found delight journeying through 15 states visiting family and attending his 50th college reunion in Texas. Will was also a noted collector of jazz music, and was considered an important collector of the music of pianist Dave Brubeck. Over the years, Will donated much of his collection to the Dave Brubeck Institute at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. In addition to these hobbies, Will had a passion for fishing, vinyl records, road-tripping with family, all things Texas, and crafting the perfect joke (no matter how many times it took). Will is survived by his wife, Barbara, his children, Monica Wrenn (Rick), Lou (Margaret), Bob (Lucie), Theresa (Matt), stepdaughter Kiera (Ed), brother Ron (Susan), former wife Carol, 13 loving grandchildren and countless extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his eldest son Tracy and his brother Dwain. He will be remembered for his legendary storytelling, his contagious laughter and his endless fascination with the human condition. We will miss him with all our hearts and be forever grateful for his legacy. A visitation to commemorate his life will be held on Saturday, July 10th at 2:30 p.m. followed by a mass at 3:30 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 1012 Lake St, Evanston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Headliners Foundation, Journalism Scholarship Fund in honor of Willmon L. White, and sent to 221 W. Sixth Street, Suite 2100, Austin, TX 78701, The Headliners Foundation (www.headlinersfoundation.org), or to St. Mary Church.