Asa S. Whitehead

Asa S. Whitehead passed away on Friday, October 17, 2014 with his family by his side. He was born March 2, 1921 in Gaines, Michigan. Asa, better known to friends as "Ace", joined the Air Force in 1941 and as a young airman during World War II flew many aircraft including the P-40 and P-63. Ace distinguished himself during the Korean War, flying 125 missions in the F-86 Saber, shooting down two Migs and damaging two others. During his Air Force career, he flew many aircraft, including the F-84 Thunderjet and F-100 Super Sabre. He was part of a nuclear armed squadron during the cold war. In 1956, flying the F-86, he won the title of Top Gun at the Worldwide Gunnery Meet held at Nellis Air Force Base, competing in both air-to-air and air-to-ground exercises against top pilots from all over the world. Ace retired from the Air Force in 1973 and spent his time visiting family and travelling the world.

Asa was preceded in death by his wife, Roseann and daughter Mary. He is survived by his daughter, Ann; and his sons, John and his wife Marci; Jim and his wife Claudia; Tom and his wife Sheryl; Paul and his fiancé Laurie ; Mike and his wife Mary; and Joey and his fiancé Suzette. He is also survived by his granddaughters Ashley, Roseann, Marisa, Lauren, Peyton and Tanaya; and his grandsons Luke, Andy, Adam, Josh, Matt, Pete, Dean, Jordan, Ben, Leo, Sam, Noah, Jake, Nick, Justin, Jimmy, Jack and Jojo.

A Mass and burial is scheduled for 10:00 am Monday October 20, at Assumption Cemetery in Austin, Texas. The family would like to thank Westminster Assisted Living and Hospice for the great care they provided to our Dad and a special thanks to Nurse Sherri Adams with New Century Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to Hospice.