Samuel William Whitehead

1935 ~ 2024

Sam returned to his heavenly family on January 8, 2024 at the age of 88. He was born July 10, 1935 in Salt Lake City to Samuel Stephen and Edith Alta Whitehead. Sam was raised with his four sisters in Salt Lake City and graduated from South High in 1953. It was there he met his eternal companion, Sharon Francis, and they were married in 1955 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, Sam and Sharon raised five children in Heber City, Salt Lake City, and Orem, Utah: Laurie (David) Taylor, Lisa (Boyd) Pettys Taylor, Stephen (Teresa) Whitehead, Michael (Emilie) Whitehead, and Gary (Teresa) Whitehead.

Sam was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in numerous callings. He was active in sports, scouting, gardening, and a career in telecommunications (Mountain Bell, AT&T, and BYU). He served as a volunteer in many organizations, most recently at the Bishop's Storehouse and Deer Creek State Park. His acknowledged goal seemed to be fix it, repair it, or improve it. Throughout all these activities he developed many close friendships and life-long relationships. He focused on providing for his family and raising his children in righteousness. He and Sharon served as full-time missionaries in Altoona, Pennsylvania and Olympia, Washington. They also served at the Missionary Training Center in Provo.

As a family we remember with fondness many outings to the park, mountains, and even a motorhome trip across the US. Family was always precious to Sam and holidays were traditionally spent together in celebration and summers were filled with fishing, picnics, and road trips. Sunday evenings were reserved for visits with relatives or spent playing table games with family. We will all dearly miss Sam, his stories, and his desire for togetherness and activities. He was tireless and active to the end, only slowing down when his body demanded it.

Sam was saddened that he was preceded in death by many of his loved ones including his parents, wife, and his siblings Dahl (Art) Carter, Myrle (Max) Rasmussen, Kenneth (infant), Edyth (Don) Eldredge, and Wilda Short, son-in-law Greg Pettys, and great-grandsons Samuel Taylor and Milo Sorensen. Funeral Services will be held at the Cascade Stake Center Chapel, 481 East Center Street, Orem on Tuesday, January 16, at 12:00 noon. A viewing will be held at the same chapel on Monday evening (Jan 15) from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and for an hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be at the Wasatch Lawn and Memorial Park in Salt Lake City.

A webcast of services will begin at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, January 16, 2024, online at www.walkersanderson.com where condolences and memories may also be shared with the family.