CRANE — William E. Whitehead, 87, of Crane, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009 at Jasper Memorial Hospital.

Born March 16, 1922 in Gibson County, he was the son of William and Emma (Bishop) Whitehead.

He serving 20 years with the U.S. Navy and worked for NWSC in Crane for 20 years, retiring in 1982.

He married Betty Herrin March 14, 1951.

Survivors include his wife; sons, James “Whitey” Whitehead of Crane, Tommy Whitehead of Bloomfield; brothers, Dick Whitehead of Bloomfield, Bobby Joe (Mary) Whitehead of Mt. Carmel, Ill., Jerry (Donna) Whitehead of Princeton, Jack Whitehead of Princeton; sisters, Rosella Car of Eagle Lake, Fla., Judy (Wilfred) Beard of Bloomfield; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Hugh Whitehead and Jimmie Don Whitehead.

Funeral services are 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009 at Poindexter-Hall & McClure Funeral Home, Odon Chapel with Jeff Williams officiating. Burial will be in Scotland Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the VFW and American Legion.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2009 at the funeral home. There will be a Masonic memorial service at 7 p.m. Friday.