John Ira Whitehead
John Ira Whitehead
John Ira Whitehead
June 6, 1953 – September 19, 2019
Marshalltown, Iowa | Age 66
John Whitehead, 66 of Marshalltown, passed away Thursday evening, September 19, 2019 at Iowa River Hospice in Marshalltown.
John Ira Whitehead Jr., the son of John and Dorothy (Gott) Whitehead, was born on June 6, 1953 in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
John was a 1971 graduate of Montezuma High School. John was drafted by the United States Army.
John married Mary Weaver and to this union one son was born, John III. They later divorced and he was then married to Norma Rooda. Together they had two children, Adam and Megan.
John had a musical gift and at age 17 picked up a guitar and began playing. He played several gigs and in his later years enjoyed playing nursing homes, Odd Fellows and at the Veteran’s Home. John owned the New Sharon International Hairport barber shop for a couple years and also worked construction.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and enjoyed cheering on the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees. He loved the Lord and had a heart for Christ. He lovingly encouraged the ones around him to do the same. John led Bible studies on Tuesdays at the Odd Fellows and was a former member of the Lynnville Church of God. He was a wonderful father and grandfather and truly loved spending time with his grandchildren.
His memory will be honored by his children, John Whitehead III of Marshalltown, Adam Whitehead of Corydon, Megan Whitehead of Pella and Karen Mills of Marshalltown; 10 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a brother, George Whitehead; three sisters, Emma (& Roger) Edgington of Des Moines, Vema (& Larry) Ozbon of Marshalltown and Jenny (& Craig) Fowler of Grinnell; and many other nieces, nephews and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William “Bud” Whitehead; a sister, Linda Whitehead; and a special friend, Phylis Loffgren.
Memorial services will begin at 1:30 pm Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of Montezuma is in charge of arrangements.
A reception will follow in the foyer at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in the family’s name to help with final expenses.
