Johnny Allen Whitehead Sr., age 89, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2021. He was born June 17, 1932, in Jasper County, the son of the late Floyd and Butice (Payne) Whitehead. Johnny was a veteran serving his country with the United States Army from 1952 – 1954 serving at the Whitehouse under Dwight Eisenhower. He married Delores Laney on April 12, 1953, in Carthage, she preceded him in death on January 29, 2001. He had several jobs his last working at Safeway Cheese until his retirement. He was a member of the Carthage Church of the Nazarene, enjoyed riding bikes, riding 20 miles a day into his eighties, Camping, reading, and spending time at his farm.
Survivors include three sons, Allen Whitehead (Beth), Mike Whitehead (Stephanie), and Greg Whitehead (Erin), all of Carthage; four grandsons, Zach Whitehead, Matt Whitehead (Stephanie), Charlie Whitehead (Kris), Andy Whitehead (Jessi); a granddaughter Adrianne Whitehead; eight great-grandchildren, Hannah, Michael, Clayton, Lauren, Kinley, Aubrey, Ethan, and Colin; a great-great-granddaughter, Peyton; and two sisters, Bea Osborne, and Nancy Cross.
He is also preceded in death by three brothers, Don, Dwight, and infant Robert, and a sister Bonnie Burt.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, July 8, 2021, at the Carthage Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in the Park Cemetery, Carthage. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at the Knell Mortuary. Memorial contribution are suggested to Gideons International in care of the mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
