Marvin "Shorty" Edward White, 85, of Leonardtown, MD died October 27, 2008 in St. Mary's Nursing Center. Born September 4, 1923 in Oldetown, FL he was the son of the late John Edward White and Anna Louise Jerrels White Everett.

He was preceded in death by his wife Alice Maria Woodburn White on December 13, 2000 whom he married on November 22, 1945 in Leonardtown, MD.

He is survived by his children: Patty Thompson and her husband David of Mechanicsville, MD, Jeryle Ann Farrell and her husband Clyde and Marvin White all of Avenue, MD, John "Buddy" White, Susan Boswell and her husband Robert and Tom White and his wife Wanda all of Leonardtown, MD, Danny White of Clements, MD, Jenny Williams and her husband Johnny of California, MD, Janie Shafer and her husband Rea of Hollywood, MD and Joe White and his wife Aggie of Chaptico, MD; siblings: Lou Eva, Annette and Mary Carolyn all of FL; 17 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Jettie Rose, Janice, Cecil and Green.

Shorty moved to St. Mary's County in 1943 from FL while serving in the U.S. Navy for 10 years as a Seaman stationed at the Piney Point Torpedo Test Range. He met his future wife, Alice M. Woodburn, on a blind date and together they were blessed with 10 children. After his tour he worked for various local businesses as a heavy equipment mechanic/welder. Shorty later retired from the Maryland State Highway Administration.

He was always ready to help a friend in need. He enjoyed repairing anything rather than replacing it. Also he was well known for "inventing" various apparatus that were needed around the house or by his companions, he was definitely a "jack of all trades". Shorty's garden was plentiful and stocked the pantry well for the family. Never without his "Redman Tobacco", he enjoyed family gatherings, fishing, crabbing, reading a good western novel, playing cards, shooting pool, building boats, engine repair and later in life building model boats for the family. He greatly enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many pets also enriched his life from horses to squirrels.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers will be said at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 1:00 PM in the Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon James Somerville officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be: Donald Thompson, Patrick Farrell, J.F. Williams, David Boswell, Brad Pleger and Hunter Farrell. Honorary Pallbearers will be: his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Contributions may be made to: St. Mary's Nursing Center, P.O. Box 518, Leonardtown, MD 20650, Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and/or charity of your choice.

Arrangemetns provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.