Morris Daniel Whitehead |
| 5/3/2019 |
Morris Daniel Whitehead, 89, passed peacefully to his eternal life Friday evening at home, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on October 10, 1929 in Elwood, the son of Grant and Genevieve (Bradley) Whitehead. His devotion to loved ones and work ethics began early in life. At the age of 12, he worked at Hill's Snappy Service in Anderson to help support his family.
Morris later served 20 years in the US Army, with various Engineer Brigades, fulfilling tours in Korea and Vietnam. Among numerous awards he received the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations against Hostile Forces while in Vietnam. Proceeding the military, he was employed for 20 years by Anderson Water Pollution Control Department. He wore many hats and retired as Supervisor of Operations retiring in 1992.
Morris loved life, people and never met a stranger. He was ornery to the core, with his massive sense of humor. He loved making people laugh, playing pranks and invariably was the life of the party. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing and debating politics. Morris D. expected high standards, did not mince words and filters were rarely used; but all and all was bighearted. He was a survivor with a powerful character, a hard act to follow and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Rose Adams Whitehead, whom he married May 18, 1985. He is also survived by two sons; Daniel (Diane Pytlack) Whitehead of Indianapolis and David (Martina) Whitehead of Apeldoorn, Netherlands; three grandsons, Ryan (Erica) Whitehead of Pendleton, and Grant and Graham Whitehead of Apeldoorn, Netherlands; one great granddaughter, Sadie Whitehead; sister, Betty Detter of Marion; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews; many friends; caregivers, Pam Fadely and Dondenna Haygood who have become part of his family.
Morris was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Brigitte Klein, son, Micheal Daniel Whitehead, sister, Dolly Dietzen, brother, Charles Whitehead, and brother-in-law, Jim Deeter.
Memorial contributions may be given to Vermillion Friends or Stepping Stones.
Celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019 officiated by Ned Clark. Burial will follow at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery, with Military Graveside Rites.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 10, 2019 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com
Morris later served 20 years in the US Army, with various Engineer Brigades, fulfilling tours in Korea and Vietnam. Among numerous awards he received the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations against Hostile Forces while in Vietnam. Proceeding the military, he was employed for 20 years by Anderson Water Pollution Control Department. He wore many hats and retired as Supervisor of Operations retiring in 1992.
Morris loved life, people and never met a stranger. He was ornery to the core, with his massive sense of humor. He loved making people laugh, playing pranks and invariably was the life of the party. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing and debating politics. Morris D. expected high standards, did not mince words and filters were rarely used; but all and all was bighearted. He was a survivor with a powerful character, a hard act to follow and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Rose Adams Whitehead, whom he married May 18, 1985. He is also survived by two sons; Daniel (Diane Pytlack) Whitehead of Indianapolis and David (Martina) Whitehead of Apeldoorn, Netherlands; three grandsons, Ryan (Erica) Whitehead of Pendleton, and Grant and Graham Whitehead of Apeldoorn, Netherlands; one great granddaughter, Sadie Whitehead; sister, Betty Detter of Marion; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews; many friends; caregivers, Pam Fadely and Dondenna Haygood who have become part of his family.
Morris was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Brigitte Klein, son, Micheal Daniel Whitehead, sister, Dolly Dietzen, brother, Charles Whitehead, and brother-in-law, Jim Deeter.
Memorial contributions may be given to Vermillion Friends or Stepping Stones.
Celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019 officiated by Ned Clark. Burial will follow at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery, with Military Graveside Rites.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 10, 2019 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com