Obituaries

John William Keone Whitehead, Jr., 83

May 29, 2022

John William Keone Whitehead Jr., 83, of Lancaster PA, passed away on May 29th, 2022 after a brief illness. He was the loving husband of Janet E. Whitehead, with whom he shared thirty-four years of marriage. Born at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, John was the son of John W. Whitehead, Sr. and Ululani (Hayselden) Whitehead. He is of Hawaiian descent. John attended high school at Culver Military Academy in Culver, IN.

He chose to enlist in the US ARMY, in which he served 21 years. During his career as a combat and medivac helicopter pilot, John was stationed in Panama, Vietnam twice, and Germany. Also, while in the Army, he attended Florida Southern College. John retired from the military as a Major earning many awards and medals, including the prestigious Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross on 2 occasions. .

In 1979, John settled in Lancaster, PA, beginning his 35-year career in banking and investments until his retirement in 2014. After retirement, John enjoyed spending his time golfing at Bent Creek Country Club and enjoying his family.

As an avid golfer, John scored 7 holes in one, including the rare accomplishment of 2 in the same round. John also “shot his age” on a few occasions.

John is survived by his wife Janet, his four children; Debra Mumaw Kokomo, IN, John Whitehead III, husband of Lisa, Lancaster, PA, LaRie Miller, wife of Eldon, Mount Joy, PA, and E. Scott Whitehead Mooresville, IN; Janet’s four children; Ivy Sweigart, wife of Dan, Lancaster PA, Jenny Grumbecht, wife of Pete, Holtwood, PA, Robert Kruppenbach, Lancaster PA, and Heidi Kruppenbach, Lancaster PA; also surviving are 18 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren. A legacy to be proud of.

John is preceeded in death by his parents, his half-sister, one grandchild, and one great-grandchild.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home and Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA with visitation from 12pm to 2pm and service to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Red Rose honor guard P.O. Box 8601, Lancaster, PA 17604-8601, or the Westgate Baptist Church

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Condolences to the Family

June 20, 2022

Dear Whitehead family,
I was sorry to learn of this when it was too late to attend the memorial service. I have fond memories of Mr. Whitehead from when I worked for Whitmore Printing (the late Eric Whitmore was a favorite golfing partner). He used to drop in at lunchtime, drink up our coffee, finish up the cold cuts and tease the living daylights out of us. He was so much fun.
If it isn’t an imposition, could I be told where he is to be interred? I have a garden full of flowers, I would like to leave him some, if possible.
Marjorie J. Birch

June 06, 2022

Dear Janet and family.  Jane and I send you our sincere condolences about John’s recent passing.  I always enjoyed my association with John over many years.  I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play golf with John on several occasions, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  I know he will be missed.  We wish you good health. claude martin

June 02, 2022

The Whitehead cousins in Kokomo and Fort Wayne, Indiana spent the morning fondly telling about thier memories of John.
Our condolences to the family and we would love to reconnect with you.
Bob Whitehead and Roy Whitehead and families.

June 01, 2022

Grandpa was a special man, kind hearted, and loved by so many. He lived such a cherished and honored life. I am so grateful to have known him and have him in my life. My heart is so heavy and I know all of yours are as well. He will truly be missed by so many.  Words can’t describe how sorry I am for this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. Sending all of my love. – Kayla 

June 01, 2022

So sorry to hear that he has passed. But it is a journey we all must make. I’m sure that he will be missed by all. Take care knowing that he is in God’s hand now. Love and Prayers to all of the family.   
Harold Willis

June 01, 2022

Deb and Scott, our condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. Thinking of you. 

June 01, 2022

Sending much love and hugs. I always have fond memories of John. 

June 01, 2022

I knew Grandpa for many years but never knew of his service history. What a history!!! He was a great man who loved deeply. The loss is hard for the family and close friends but I can only imagine the time he is spending now, pain free. My condolences are with you all.  knew him through my best friend of 30+ years, Janci. 

May 31, 2022

My deepest condolences to John’s family and friends. We were friends for many many years. He will surely be missed by many folks. He dearly loved his wife Janet, and his Children and Grand Children. I sure hope they have Golf Clubs and Rook cards in Heaven. My live and my prayers are with each and everyone.

Visitation
Thursday, June 02, 2022
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Thursday, June 02, 2022
2:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

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  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Downtown Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
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  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
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  • 717-872-5041
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  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
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  • 717-687-7644
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  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
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