Honoring Michael Nathan White | Juneteenth & Father’s Day Tribute

Honoring Michael Nathan White

Throughout June, we’ll be highlighting the men and boys whose stories, milestones, and presence continue to leave a mark on our family and community.

Michael Nathan White

Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, Michael White married Leatha Lamison, daughter of Beatrice Barnes and Winget Lamison, and granddaughter of Langston Barnes and Rhea Mae “Mama Rhea” Blow.

Michael was one of the smartest and most easygoing men I have ever known. He was thoughtful, humble, and never one to seek attention. In many ways, he was an introvert. People often wanted to pick his brain because of his intelligence, but Michael was happiest in quiet spaces, focusing on what mattered most to him.

And what mattered most was being a father.

Fatherhood brought out the very best in Michael. It was a joy to watch him help with homework, teach the boys how to maintain a yard, and show them practical life skills that would serve them well as men. He genuinely enjoyed spending time with Darren and Eric and took every opportunity to pour into their lives.

Michael believed in lifting others as he climbed. He volunteered throughout the community and often included his sons in those efforts. Whether he was working with Urban Boys, mentoring neighborhood children, teaching Children’s Church at From the Heart Church Ministries (FTHCM), or coaching his sons’ T-ball team, Michael made sure his boys saw the value of service.

He also volunteered in the aftercare program at From the Heart Christian School (FTHCS), teaching computer programming to students. Darren and Eric sat in those classrooms and on those ball fields, watching their father give freely of his time, knowledge, and heart.

Though he was the father of two sons, he became a father figure to many. His nieces, nephews, neighborhood children, and young people throughout the community looked up to him and benefited from his guidance.

Michael was largely self-taught. He had a remarkable ability to master complex subjects and then teach them to others. He thought differently, saw possibilities where others saw obstacles, and was never afraid to learn something new.

His expertise took him around the world. After teaching himself advanced technologies, he traveled internationally training others, building professional relationships in Saudi Arabia, Germany, and several other European countries.

He built a successful career teaching C++ at the USDA Graduate School and later served as a Senior Software Engineer at Bates White, where his talents and intellect were highly respected.

Yet despite his professional accomplishments, his greatest legacy was not found in his career. It was found in his sons.

Michael made sure Darren and Eric experienced the world. Under his guidance, both became published authors at the remarkable ages of 16 and 14. He taught them how to think independently, solve problems, grocery shop, manage responsibilities, and navigate life with confidence.

Most importantly, he taught them by example.

One of God’s greatest gifts to Michael was allowing him to see his sons grow into successful men. Before his passing at age 58, he watched both Darren and Eric earn bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and build thriving careers in the very field he loved.

Seeing them follow in his footsteps brought him tremendous pride.

Michael was an exceptional father, and a man whose influence continues to live on through the many lives he touched. His investment in his sons was a gift that keeps on giving.

I will always be grateful that he was the father of my children.

Happy Heavenly Father’s Day, my dear husband.

Your love, wisdom, and legacy continue to shine through the sons you raised and the countless lives you inspired. – Leatha Lamison-White