Wilton Jerry Whitehead

            Graveside services for Wilton Jerry Whitehead, 95, of Lufkin, will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Lufkin with Lester Hutson and Rev. Gene Hazell officiating.

           Wilton was born on November 23, 1927, in Burke, Texas, to the late John Jesse Whitehead and Anna Bertha (Harrell) Whitehead, and died Tuesday, October 10, 2023, in Lufkin.

            Wilton was the youngest of 10 children. He retired from the State of Texas Highway Department and also worked with the Texas Forestry Department and Texas Foundry. Wilton also owned his own appliance repair shop in Fairview, Texas. He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947. In May 1948, Wilton married Opal Lucille Ricks and together had 7 children. He was a born again Christian.  

            Wilton was a hard worker and could fix nearly anything he set his mind to. He was self-taught in lots of ways and continued to read up until the last few weeks of his life. Wilton did not let anything challenge him. He would read about it, figure it out, and then fix it. He enjoyed learning new things. Wilton enjoyed being outside with nature, including gardening, watching the birds and the squirrels at the feeders, while sitting on the porch swing with his faithful dog Haas at his feet. He was the husband of Opal Lucille for 75 years, loving her in his genuine way. Wilton was dad to six daughters and one son, raising and taking care of those 6 girls was a feat on its own. He had a sternness about him, but also a heart of gold always ready to help someone in need whether it was family or someone in the community. Wilton was a giver. He also cared for all creatures, great and small. He loved to be surrounded by his family. Wilton was a hard-working, intelligent, caring, and honest man, who cared for his large family and showed them all how to be strong and love each other. And for all of this, we are forever grateful. He will be greatly missed.

            He is survived by his wife, Opal Whitehead of Lufkin; daughter, Patsy Whitehead of Lufkin; daughter and son-in-law, Marcelle and Howell Jackson of Lufkin; daughter and son-in-law, Wanda and Mike Fletcher of Lufkin; daughter, Tracy Whitehead of Crockett, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Richard Taylor of Lufkin; daughter, Gracie Farrell of Lufkin; grandchildren, Shawn Whitehead, April Walker, Jason Pierce, Cody Jackson, Lindsey Arnold, Amelia Ibarra, Morgan Ibarra, Shawna Farrell, Rachel Farrell, and Denman “Sam” Farrell; 19 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jerry “Bubba” Whitehead; grandson, Carlton Ray Johnson; and all 9 of his siblings.

            The family would like to give special thanks to Hospice in the Pines staff and to the CHI St. Luke’s ICU staff.

            In lieu of flowers, special memorials may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Ave., Lufkin, Texas 75904.

            Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 13, 2023, at Shafer Funeral Home in Lufkin.

            Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.

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