Gaylon "Ben" Whitehead

          Private Graveside services for Gaylon “Ben” Whitehead, 91, of Etoile, Texas, will be held.

          Gaylon “Ben” Whitehead passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of laughter, hard work, and love. Born on May 20, 1934, Ben grew up with a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the simple joys of country life. An avid outdoorsman, he spent his younger years hunting the woods and fishing every weekend, always happiest with a rod or gun in his hand and a good story to tell. Ben retired from International Paper in 1984 after years of dedicated work, but retirement didn’t slow him down one bit. He went on to spend 17 more years driving school buses for the Etoile School District, where he greeted countless kids with his trademark grin and sense of humor. A proud Mason of Homer Lodge #254 and a member of the Eastern Star, Ben valued community, tradition, and lending a hand whenever one was needed. A true craftsman at heart, Ben could build or fix just about anything he set his mind to - from old tractors he lovingly restored to small projects that made life a little better for those around him. He was a man who believed in working hard, laughing often, and making the most of every day. Those who knew Ben will remember his quick wit, his good-natured teasing, and the way he could light up a room with his humor. He was a devoted friend, neighbor, and a family man whose warmth and laughter will be dearly missed but fondly remembered. Ben’s life was a story of kindness, craftmanship, and joy – a reminder that the best measure of a man is not in what he has, but in the laughter and love he leaves behind.

          Ben is survived by his daughter, Gayline Whitehead; grandson, Hunter Whitehead and wife Caley; granddaughters, Codie Jones and husband Waylon, Jodie Whitehead, and Stephanie Bottego; great-grandchildren, Harper Whitehead, Kaden Whitehead, Maggie Jones, Axl Jones,  and Jace Pendleton; sister, Avell Patterson; and special family friend, Michelle VanDyke.     

          He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Rachel Whitehead; parents, Richard Whitehead and Martha (Bobbitt) Whitehead; son, Benton Whitehead; daughter, Benya Whitehead; brothers, Ireland Whitehead, Garvis Whitehead, and Eddie Merle Whitehead; and sister, Odessa Burnaman.

          Pallbearers will be Hunter Whitehead, Andy Sanders, Mark Patterson, Waylon Jones, Ricky Burnaman, and Carl Gregston.

         The family would like to thank the staff at Affinity Home Health, Hospice in the Pines, and Terri at K & I Therapy Service for their compassionate care.

         In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent to Blue Springs Cemetery, P.O. Box 106, Etoile, Texas 75944 or to Etoile Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 9, Etoile, Texas 75944.

         Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.