Eugene Haines Whitehead, Jr., 87, of Rosebud, passed away at Sunset Health Care Center in Union, on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.

Gene, as he was known to family and friends, was born to the union of Eugene H. Whitehead, Sr. and Bertha Kencher in St Louis on May 11, 1935.

He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving for his country in the U.S. Navy.

Gene, was united in marriage to Roberta Helton, on November 24, 1982 at Housesprings, Missouri.  He and Roberta have been residents of Rosebud for 35 years.

He was ordained in the Association of International Gospel Assemblies in 1983. He worked at and retired from the Owensville Lumber Company.

Gene loved to talk to friends and family, with a great interest in hunting, fishing and woodworking.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene H. Whitehead, Sr. and Bertha Kencher Whitehead Snoody.

Gene is survived by his wife, Roberta Whitehead; two sons, Dale Helton and wife Beckey of Georgia, Jim Helton and wife Stephanie of Rosebud; two daughters, Cathy Hilton and husband Mike of Dittmer, Pam Helton Bellinger of Sullivan: nine grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and  many friends.

Special message from his wife, Roberta: "God Bless Gene on his journey to a better place. I can only imagine what his eyes will see."