Howard Wesley White was born in Poughkeepsie, New York to Harry and Bertha White on January 10, 1919. He graduated from Wheaton College in 1941 with a B.A. in business and finance. In July 1946, he began his job of 41 years as Controller of Wheaton College. Together with his wife, Gabrielle, they had a son, Timothy and daughter, Dawn. White was an active member of Wheaton Bible Church, the Sanctuary Choir and a retirees group at the church known as "Trimmers," who kept the church grounds in park-like condition during the growing season. White's hobby was stamp collecting, and he and his wife were involved in the music ministry as well as keeping the flowerbeds at Windsor Manor, where he lived in Carol Stream. He was also the treasurer of the "Timothy Project" which helps local pastors and seminary teachers in Eastern European countries to study God's Word. The project was begun by some of the Wheaton College Athletic coaches. He died September 30, 2010, at age 91.