May 11, 1945
Thomas Lee White was born on May 11, 1945 in Alliance, Nebraska, to Pauline and Edgar White. His four brothers are Bernie, Butch, Bill and Eddie. He graduated from Hyannis High School in 1963. Tom married Ellen Boots in 1965. They have two children Jeff and Kristi. Tom and Ellen worked for John Sibbitt for 10 years. He then was the manager for Cover Ranches for 13 years. He would then go on to work in the cattle feed business. In 1993, Tom, Ellen and son Jeff started their own cattle feed business, Bar 3 Feeds. They sold the business to Westco in 2008 and Tom still continues to work for them.
Tom White has lived his whole life in the Sandhills of Nebraska. He grew up working on ranches where he trained horses, took care of cattle and worked in the hayfields. He was in his early twenties when he taught himself to team rope. Through endless hours of practice in the arena, he became one of the best headers in the region. He passed the love of the sport on to, not only his children, but to many others. He was always there ready to lend a helping hand to whoever might need it. Tom especially enjoyed working with the kids in the high school rodeo ranks. His children remember many times getting home from a rodeo or roping late on a Sunday night and they would have to get up at the crack of dawn the next morning to do chores. Those that have lived the Western life know that it is not a 9 to 5 job. It is hard work and long hours. That’s what he embraces. His motto has always been, “That you can play, but the work gets done first!” Tom is a hardworking, good honest man. He is a true cowboy. It’s his way of life, the only life he has ever known.
Tom was an NSRA Team Roping Champion Header in 1973, 1976 and 1980; Prairie Circuit Team roping Champion Header in 1978; Grant County Commissioner in 2014 and Teammates Mentor beginning in 2010 and continuing today.