03/02/2026
Dennis White was born on October 27, 1953, in Claremore, Oklahoma. He attended school in Bixby, Oklahoma and earned his GED just before being accepted into the fire academy, beginning the career he was clearly born to live. On July 16, 1980, he became a firefighter with the Tulsa Fire Department, serving faithfully for twenty-seven years until his retirement on May 3, 2007.
Dennis was a firefighter in every sense of the word — on duty and off. He was a man who ran toward danger, not away from it. One of his proudest moments came when he responded to a horrific accident involving a burning Jeep that had struck a school bus head-on. Without hesitation, Dennis pulled Tory from the vehicle seconds before it exploded. Years later, one of the highlights of his life was dancing with Tory at her wedding. For his heroic actions, he was honored as Firefighter of the Year in 1994.
Even in retirement, Dennis never stopped being a first responder at heart. While fishing with Vicky at the low water dam, he witnessed a young man being swept away by the current. Dennis acted immediately, throwing an anchor and pulling Aaron to safety. Aaron, now an emergency room nurse and evangelist, continues to share God’s word — a living reminder of Dennis’s courage that day.
While he was dedicated to serving others, Dennis’s greatest devotion was to his wife, Vicky. Vicky was the love of Dennis’s life and shared a bond that was truly from God. Their life together was like a fairy tale that only God could have orchestrated. Vicky shares how Dennis was truly the most handsome man she had ever seen!
Whether bowling — where they won numerous team, doubles, singles, and overall awards — or fishing for striper bass at Lake Texoma, they did life side by side. They were proud of the many big fish they caught, but even prouder of the life they built together. Dennis and Vicky enjoyed packing up the motorhome and hooking up the bass boat for a good weekend or week fishing wherever the road took them.
Golf was one of Dennis’s greatest passions. He cherished the time spent with his golf buddies and the friendships built on the course. Fishing was a close second. He loved the outdoors, the water, and the quiet moments that came with both. Dennis and Vicky found great joy in living on the shores of Fort Gibson Lake. The lake wasn’t just where they lived — it was where they built a life filled with laughter, early mornings on the back deck having their coffee and watching the eagles go by, and evenings spent with good friends. They treasured the community they found there, forming lasting friendships with neighbors and fellow lake-goers who quickly became like family. Whether it was casting a line, sharing stories on the dock, or simply watching the sun set across the water, those years on the lake were some of the most cherished of Dennis’s life. Dennis always told Vicky that life with him would always be an adventure.
Above all, Dennis was known for his heart. He was one of the kindest and most loving men you could meet. He was a faithful and devoted son to his mother, a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather, a loyal friend, and the kind of man who lived by the words:
“Whoever needs me — I’m there.”
Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Vicky (Teixeira) White; his son Travis and wife Candy (Ginn) White; Lacey and husband Brian Vogt; grandchildren Hunter and fiancée Parker, McClay and husband Reece, Rylee, Sophie, Rylie, and Ryder; great-granddaughter Millie James; sisters Marlene and husband Mel Fergeston, Nancy and husband Jimmie Reynolds, Sue and husband Roger Graves, and Angie and husband Mark Lanning; and many beloved nieces and nephews — Tommy, Tammy, Shandae, Nathan, Marnie, Kristi, Clay, Jason, Shannon, Eric, and Kelsie. He also leaves behind his loyal fur babies — Bullet, Rocky, and Red.
Dennis White lived a life of courage, loyalty, and love. He served his community, protected strangers, cherished his family, and never hesitated to step in when someone needed help. His legacy will live on in every life he touched — and every life he saved.
