NEWTON FALLS — Robert White, a World War II Navy veteran, member of VFW Post 3332 and the Commander of American Legion 236, was responsible for starting a family and community tradition when the Legion wanted to do something different for its July 4 parade participation.

White also was well known and liked in the community from when he worked as a custodian at Arlington Elementary School. A tradition that has been in his family began in 1975 with White walking behind the Newton Falls Fourth of July parade in a barrel with a sign on it saying “The End.”

He was chosen, according to his daughter, Mary DeZee, because of “his infectious smile” as well as his outgoing demeanor.

“He had brought home the barrel and we had the wig. It was my grandmother’s wig, and we still have it,” DeZee said.

In 2007, a change was made when White died two days before the parade. His son-in-law, Robert DeZee, stepped in and has been doing so for the past 18 years.

“We have had very long conversations since last July about him retiring and we were trying to figure out who could take over. We had talked to my grandson Eric (Johnson) because he’s the next oldest male in our family that is a descendent of Robert White. He’s always been excited about it just like everybody else, and we had long talks with Eric about the responsibility of it, the origin of it, how long it’s been going on, how it meant a lot to my father, and has meant a lot to our family. He wanted to carry it on, to hold himself to a higher standard, to honor our family and part of that keeps Robert White ‘Whitey’ alive,” DeZee said.

“It keeps his memory alive because he (Robert White) walked that path for 30 years,” said Brittany Yingst, Eric Johnson’s mother.

Ten-year-old Eric Johnson, a 4.0 student at Jackson-Milton, excels in wrestling and football, and has expressed a desire to carry on the tradition.

“When mom brought up the idea, I really wanted to do it, so I said yes right away,” Eric said.

Eric said he enjoyed spending time with his grandpa, “listening to his stories,” playing ball, hanging out at the pool and going for walks together.

When pressed on why he really wanted to walk in the barrel Eric said, “because it’s our tradition, and I don’t want to give it up knowing that I would end a tradition.”

His barrel was bought at Star Supply in Youngstown.

Now at 80, Robert DeZee planned to walk the route one last time with his grandson on Friday after 17 years of carrying the tradition, while preparing Eric to step into the role next year.

But on Friday morning, Robert DeZee collapsed and was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Warren Hospital. His condition is unknown as yet. He wished to pass on these sentiments by way of his wife, Mary DeZee.

“He wants to thank everyone for the last 18 years. He appreciates and loves the community and the support and love everyone has always shown him. He cannot believe how many people truly enjoy and look forward to ‘The End'” she said.

“I think I now know what to do until I’m 80, even though I couldn’t do it with my grandpa because he collapsed, but it was still a lot of fun with my mom by my side and my stepdad by my side,” Eric said about his first solo walk in his grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s footsteps.