James Lee Whitehead
James Lee Whitehead, 88, Rossville, died Friday, October 20, 2017, at Oakley Place of Rossville. He was born in Topeka, on February 6, 1929, the son of Oren Raymond and Frances Magdalen (Hess) Whitehead.
Jim graduated from Topeka High School in 1947. He worked for the Topeka Fire Department, was a self-employed contractor, and in 1993 retired from the State of Kansas where he was a construction inspector for the State Architect Office.
He was married to Betty Ilene Woollard on July 15, 1947, in Topeka. She preceded him in death on November 15, 1994.
Surviving are his children: Sue Badura of Rossville, Richard "Rick" Whitehead (Cathy) of Katy, TX, Dr. John Whitehead (Christine) of Wichita, Russell Whitehead (Holly) of Surprise, AZ, and LeAnn Whitehead-Palmisano (Greg) of Phoenix, AZ; thirteen grandchildren: Cathy Hammer (Scott), Daren Badura (Danelle), Chad Badura (Jody), Elizabeth Kimbley (Chris), Margaret Whitehead, Michael Whitehead, John Michael Whitehead (Michelle), Jennifer Alicata (Anthony), Matt Whitehead (Katie), Brett Whitehead (Jessica), Jesse Whitehead (Amanda), Darchelle Vajen (Nic), and Dylan Whitehead; and 21 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be at 6:00 PM, Monday, October 23, 2017, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Avenue, Topeka, followed by the family receiving friends. Private interment of cremains will be in Mount Hope Cemetery and Mausoleum Chapel.
Jim will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Monday, at the funeral chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606-2800.