Remembering the life of Robert Whitehead (2025)

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Remembering the life of Robert Whitehead (1)

Robert E. "Bob" Whitehead, 83, of Kokomo, passed away on Sept. 30, 2024, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Bob was born in Wahiawa, Oahu, in Hawaii on Feb. 13, 1941, to Russell and Alice (Amorin) Whitehead. He enjoyed his childhood in Wahiawa with his brother, Roy; many cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents in Maui. Later on, Bob and his family moved to Kokomo, Indiana. Although the change in climate was a disappointment, he made the most of it by getting into fun shenanigans with Roy while attending St. Joan of Arc Catholic School. He also served as an altar boy at St. Joan of Arc church. Later on, he attended Kokomo High School. One of his proudest accomplishments in high school was becoming an Eagle Scout.
Bob graduated from Kokomo High School in 1959, and continued in his studies to earn a Bachelor's degree from Indiana State University in social studies education, and a Master's degree from Ball State University in elementary education. He believed very strongly in the power of public education, and dedicated 32 years of his life to teaching, with 29 of those years at Carroll Elementary School in Flora. After retirement, he worked part time for the Head Start preschool program in the Kokomo Center Schools.
Bob met Grace Sommers in 1970, and they married and had two children, Christopher and Emily. Bob adored his children and his extended family. He felt particular joy in the moments that they could be together. His joy was heightened at the birth of his sole grandchild, Aliana, in 2008, who has remained a constant light in Bob's life. He wanted to spend as much time with family as possible up until the end.
Bob placed a high value on improving the lives of people in his local community. He served for many years on the family selection committee for Habitat for Humanity, and helped to create a scholarship called the "Peace Scholarship," which is designed for students committed to achieving peace in today's world. On a global scale, Bob was committed to supporting Heifer International, an organization focused on ending hunger and poverty throughout the world by providing tools, training and resources to farmers. In his church, Parkview Mennonite, Bob was active in the Community Outreach Committee, and was involved in a mentoring program for children. He often led "children's time" and taught Sunday School.
Bob was an extrovert, and never met a stranger. If you started a sentence with, "Hey Bob, do you want to go to___" the answer was always yes, because Bob was DOWN FOR IT. His many hobbies included golfing, playing cards, traveling, reading, watching the Chicago Cubs and campaigning for political and social justice causes he felt passionately about in his community. Most importantly, he lived his life in a way that showed others he believed that everyone was worthy of love and belonging.
Bob is survived by his wife, Grace Whitehead; his son, Christopher Whitehead (Missy); daughter, Emily; granddaughter, Aliana Polanco; brother, Roy (Jeanne); and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Funeral service will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Parkview Mennonite Church, 1382 E. 100 North, Kokomo, with Frank Kandel officiating. Burial will follow in Mast Hensler Cemetery, Kokomo. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the church. In memory of Bob, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Awareness and the Peace Scholarship fund in Kokomo. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

To send flowers to the family of Robert E. "Bob" Whitehead, please visit Tribute Store.

Published on October 2, 2024

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Remembering the life of Robert Whitehead (2025)

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