Ted Whitehead

Ted Whitehead, 80, of Des Moines died Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 19, 2012 at Ochiltree Funeral Service & Aftercare in Winterset. Burial with military honors will be in the Lorimor Cemetery, Lorimor performed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8142 and the American Legion Post 184. In keeping with Ted’s desire to help others, the family suggests memorials in his memory be chosen by the donor and reflect kindness towards others. Teddy Junior Whitehead was born November 10, 1931 in Clarke County, south of Osceola, Iowa; the son of Ted and Mercedese (Hisky) Whitehead. He served in the United States Army from 1952 – 1954 during the Korean Conflict on the front lines in the 45th Infantry Division, 120th Combat Engineers. His marriage to Billie Jean Williams took place on May 31, 1959 at the Lorimor Methodist Church. Ted had worked for Ford Implement in Des Moines as an assembler for many years and later worked and retired from Pioneer Hi-Bred in 1993. He was a member of the Fort Des Moines Methodist Church. Ted admired and loved antique tractors, having restored several with his son and was very fond of his Oliver 70. He is survived by his wife, Billie Jean; son, Todd (Debbie) Whitehead and two granddaughters, Casi and Aryana all of Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Donna Worth and a special uncle, Charles Whitehead.