Gary Whitehead

March 4, 1942 - May 30, 2012

Gary Linn Whitehead, one of four children of C. Melvin and Delores (Ramer) Whitehead, was born March 4, 1942 near Auburn, Nebraska. He started his schooling at rural school, and finished his formal education at Elk Creek Public Schools, graduating from high school in 1960. Gary served in the National Guard from 1961 to 1967, starting his training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. He was stationed at Ft. Dix in New Jersey and other stations before serving out his duty at the National Guard Armory in Auburn. On November 11, 1962 Gary was married to Nellie Orr in Tecumseh, Nebraska. They were blessed with four children: Kim, Scott, Corina, and Todd. Gary and Nellie later divorced, and Gary married Sharron Adams Minner on September 19, 1980 in Auburn. Sharron?s two children, Jeff and Jeanne, became a part of Gary?s family. Gary lived for a short time in Idaho, and while there he served as pastor of a church in Sand Point. After moving back to Auburn, he continued his pastoral duties at the South Auburn Church of Christ. Gary had also worked at Pohlman Motors in Auburn and at Peru State College in Peru. He worked for many years in the parts division at Auburn Consolidated Industries in Auburn until his retirement. Even after retirement Gary held positions at Indian Cave State Park and with Eggers Brothers. The Eagles Club, first in Nebraska City and then Auburn, was a big part of Gary?s life for over 30 years. He held many offices in the club, including serving as president on more than one occasion. Gary enjoyed working on his computer or reading in his spare time. His first priority, however, was always his family. On Wednesday, May 30, 2012 Gary was rushed to the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn, passing away there at the age of 70 years, 2 months, and 26 days. He was preceded in death by his father Melvin and younger brother Neil. Gary is survived by his wife Sharron of Auburn; mother Delores Chandler of Auburn; daughters Kim Roe and special friend Bruce Schuetz of Humboldt; Corina Donner and special friend Larry Corey of Auburn; sons Scott and wife Cindy Whitehead of Auburn; Todd Whitehead and special friend Jen Stauffer of Omaha; step-children Jeff Minner and wife Casey of Auburn; Jeanne Kettler and husband Dan of Lincoln; 13 grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brother Jim Whitehead and wife Elouise of Lincoln; sister Donna Coonce and husband Ed of Topeka, KS; sister-in-law Lucille Kimball of Auburn; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorial services will be Saturday, June 2, 10:30 a.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Visitation (no viewing) will be at the funeral home Friday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 7:00. Memorials in lieu of flowers suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project.