Harold Whitehead

Harold Elden Whitehead, 90, of Independence, MO went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at Centerpoint Medical Center. Services will be 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2009 at New Hope RLDS Church, 220 W. Moore, Independence, MO 64050. Private entombment in Mound Grove Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Harold was born June 17, 1918 in Logan, IA to James Daniel and Mary Pearl Lavisa (Smith) Whitehead. He graduated from Logan High School in 1936 and two years later moved to Lamoni, IA where he met his bride to be, Julia Beryl Kirk. In 1941 Harold and Julia moved to Burbank, CA where he was employed at Lockheed Vega. Harold proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945 as a Tech Sergeant for the Big Red One as a Combat Infantryman, in the European Theatre of WWII. In 1951 Harold and his family gathered to Independence, MO where he became the New Business Manager for the Missouri Water Company. He also worked as a News Broadcaster for KXTR Radio, and then retired from the Water Company in the early 1970’s. Harold was a Patriarch Evangelist in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and a faithful servant of the Lord all of his life. He served in many capacities within the church, but his most loved ministry was his gift of music. Mr. Whitehead directed choirs at several congregations throughout his life. He also lent his voice to record the 3 standard books of scripture on tape. Mr. Whitehead is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Julia (Kirk) Whitehead; daughters Karen Graham, Linda Hickey; son-in-law Ronald Hickey; seven grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.