Dan was a proud Native Houstonian, preceded in death by his parents, Word Whitehead (Sr.), Lillian “Gam” (Whitehead) Dittmann, and his stepfather, Louis Dittmann of Brenham, TX. He is survived by his endearing, caring and devoted wife and best friend of 52+ years, Stella Whitehead; his son Vinson Scott Whitehead and his wife Dianne Whitehead, his daughter Sarah (Whitehead) Barletta and her husband Vince Barletta; and 5 grandchildren - Brandon, Alex and Christian Whitehead; Amanda and Josh Barletta. Dan was very proud of his children and loved them dearly, and always received great joy from attending all of his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, and did so until he was physically restricted from his illness.
Other surviving family members who will cherish his memory include: his sisters Gloria (Whitehead) Cate, Sharon Whitehead and brother Word Whitehead (Jr.) - all of Brenham, TX, and brother Michael Whitehead of Plantation, FL, as well as loving nieces and nephews.
Dan attended The University of Texas at Austin before serving for the U.S. Army, and after his service, returned to school and graduated from Sam Houston State University (formerly Sam Houston Teacher’s College), where he met the love-of-his-life, Stella. They were married at First Presbyterian Church in Houston. He was a successful and devoted local salesman for many years, eventually retiring from S.P. Richards Office Supplies. Dan will be fondly remembered for his kind and gentle ways, his family devotion, his endearing faith and trust in the Lord -- and his love of Blue Bell Ice Cream!
The family has planned a private family visitation on Friday evening, March 28, 2014 from 5:00-6:00pm at Forest Park East Funeral Home, located at 21620 Gulf Fwy., Webster, TX 77598, immediately followed by a public visitation from 6:00-8:00pm. Graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014, starting at 12:30pm, at Forest Park East Cemetery at the same address above. Pallbearers are Scott Whitehead, Vince Barletta, Brandon Whitehead, Alex Whitehead, Josh Barletta and Christian Whitehead. Honorary Pallbearers are his brothers, Word Whitehead (Jr.) and Michael Whitehead. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dan’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project (see http://www.woundedwar-riorproject.org/donate.aspx).
The family would also like to offer special thanks to the professional staff and caregivers at A-Med Community Hospice, and to Clear Lake Presbyterian Church and their ministers for their compassion, prayers and service.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18