Cecil White

Cecil Irving White was born on September 4, 1950 to Cecil G and Stella (Stadeker) White. He attended Dowling Catholic School, Des Moines Public Schools, and graduated from Tech High School. Cecil was a former member of St. John’s Parish, where he was an altar boy. As a youth, Cecil enjoyed riding his “English” bike and playing basketball. Cecil was a long suffering Chicago Bears, White Sox and Bulls fan.  He considered Chicago a 2nd hometown.  
Cecil retired from the Dept of Soil Conservation as a Budget Analyst in 2002.  He was also a credentialed photographer, who was published by The Iowa Bystander, the Des Moines Register and Ebony and Essence Magazine. He enjoyed a long retirement which included time spent with friends and loved ones. 
Cecil was well known as a bass player and later a percussionist in the Des Moines area. He enjoyed playing many instruments. His favorites were the congas and most recently the handpan.  Cecil enjoyed playing along side many bands, including Split Decision Band, Goodcat, Bittersweet, Nation Band, SP3, Its Complicated, Des Funk, Beewitched Belly Dance, Des Moines Drum Circles and a host of others.  Cecil loved jazz and was a DJ with KUCB and KFMG radio.  Cecil became popular in later years as a Facebook Sage. He shared his wise and humorous personality with all who would engage.  Cecil recently posted that “He is an old man, and Facebook is his porch”.
Cecil transitioned from this life on March 29, 2024.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Aunt Alice, and his beloved pets Kira and Chancey.  Left to carry out his legacy are his children, Kali Newsome, Shane (Tricia) White and Jazzy Blues.  His stepdaughter, Samita (Joe) Kaufmann, his long time partner Christine Anania.
The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at the Des Moines Botanical Center from 1pm - 8pm.