Gary Wayne Whitehead

Gary “Pogo” Wayne Whitehead passed from this life the morning of December 15, 2018 at the Adena Regional Medical Center following an extended battle with cancer.

Gary was born January 30, 1941 to Paul and Beatrice (O’Hara) Whitehead in Leitchfield, Kentucky.  He married the love of his life, V. June Lemaster (“Mugs” as he affectionately called her), on December 31, 1980.  Gary was a member of the Bainbridge Church of Christ, veteran of the United States Coast Guard, a former employee of the Frankfort Budd Plant, a member of American Legion Post 14, lifetime member of AmVets, and member of The Forty & Eight. 

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Paul “Whitey” Whitehead, and his best friend Steve Satterfield.

Gary is survived by his wife, his daughter and son-in-law Lorena and Jeremy Yoakem, and his granddaughter Abrianna Grace Yoakem, all of Bainbridge; sisters Denease Pack of Georgetown, Texas and Cherele Willett of Xenia, Ohio; brother-in-law Bob Lemaster of Waverly, Ohio; sisters-in-law Janet (Lemaster) Allison of Tarlton, Ohio and Carol Whitehead of Mt. Orab, Ohio; and many friends and relatives that he dearly loved.

Gary never met a stranger.  He always wanted to meet people and was a genuine listener and wanted to know all about them.  He loved all kinds of racing and spent many Sundays watching NACSAR.  He was a proud veteran and loved his country.  Above all else, he loved the three most important women in his life: his wife June, to whom he was married for almost 39 years; his daughter Lorena, who he loved with all his heart; and his granddaughter Abri, who could always bring a smile, no matter how bad the day.

The family would like to thank all his many visitors, the Paxton Area Life Squad for their continued help and support, the doctors and staff of the Adena Cancer Center, and a special thank you to Adena Home Health for the care they provided.

Funeral services will be held 1 pm Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at the Bainbridge Church of Christ with Steve Alexander officiating. Burial will follow in the Bainbridge Cemetery with Military honors by the Ross County Honor Guard. Friends may visit with Gary’s family from 5-8 pm Tuesday at the Church.

The SMITH-MOORE-EBRIGHT Funeral Home of Bainbridge is serving the family.