William Albert Whitehead

William Albert Whitehead, 89, Kokomo, passed away Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, at his residence, in Kokomo. He was born on May 7, 1926 in Southern Tipton County, Indiana. He was the son of Lawrence “Peanut” and Elsie (Alexander) Whitehead.. Bill and his family moved to Sharpsville, IN in 1929 when he was three and was a very active boy growing up.

During his senior year he was selected to enter in a special program called the Army Air Core. After passing several tests and turning 18 he was then active duty in WWII after graduating Sharpsville School in 1944. His dream of becoming a pilot was not to be due to having all pilots they needed. He then worked in the office until 1945. After discharge Bill studied at DePauw University and graduated 1949 with his bachelors and master’s degree in education. Bill married Jennie Lee Emenhiser in 1952 and she preceded him in death

After DePauw he moved to South Dakota to run a business for a good friend’s father. In 1953 his first year teaching was at Curtisville School in Tipton County. He stayed only one year. He had been offered a job with Taylor Schools. He eventually went to the Sharpsville School and stayed until 1966. That summer he went back to Indiana University Bloomington to get his administrative license.

In the fall of 1966 he became the principal of Indian Heights School (Taylor Community Schools) where he finished out his career and retired in 1986. During the early years of teaching Bill and his brother-in-law Herk Barkley built and remodeled homes. He truly loved teaching, coaching and always said he had a great staff at Indian Heights. Upon retiring he had started doing some remodeling again so that he would fulfill his days once again.

In 2005 he retired from his carpentry business and started making cabinetry and furniture at home, which he enjoyed very much. In 2009 Bill had an accident and felt he should no longer do woodworking. Bill enjoyed entertaining and cooking for family and friends.

He is survived by his six children. Marsha (John Hodson) Whitehead, Mark Whitehead, Jill (Dexter) Marley, Jim (Jeni) Whitehead, Jayna (Edward) Whitehead and Joseph Whitehead (Steve Kressley). His grandchildren Leslie Whitehead, Blake (Amber) Johnson, Britney (Jake) King, Brandon Whitehead, Justin Whitehead, Jena Whitehead, Lexie Montes, Nick Hodson, John Vandorn, Tom Marley and 3 great grandchildren; sister Frances Mills of California and his brother-in-law Jim (Barb) Emenhiser.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and sisters, Donna Mae Barkley, Anna Jean Henderson, and Jane Wallpe.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016 at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 W. Alto Road. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tri-Central High School.

Online condolences may be given at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com