Bobby Joe Whitehead

Bobby Joe Whitehead, 99, of Benton, IL passed away Monday, November 3, 2025 at Helia Healthcare. He was born June 4, 1926 in Princeton, IN to the late William J. Whitehead and Emma (Bishop) Whitehead. Bobby Joe proudly joined the US Navy after high school and served in WWII and the Korean Conflict. He married Mary Alice (Woods) June 27, 1947 and were blessed with 72 years together before her passing in 2019. He lived in Benton, IL since 2015, previously living in Mt. Carmel, IL and Sullivan, IN. Bobby Joe worked for Amax Coal as a coal miner and electrical mine inspector for 46 years before his retirement in 1985. He was a member of UMWA, life member of the VFW, American Legion, Masonic Lodge 239 in Mt. Carmel, IL, Scottish Rite of Southern Ill., Swords of Bunker Hill, and Eagles Lodge #3066 of Mt. Carmel. Bobby Joe truly enjoyed life and everything was an adventure. He followed all sports with enthusiasm as if he was the coach, especially his Chicago Cubs, his Bears and of course IU. He had a huge heart for all his animals but especially his dog Betsy. Traveling around with his brothers or whistling while working on his jigsaw puzzles, Bobby Joe made life fun and kept it simple and in perspective because his favorite pastime was the time he spent with his family that he loved so deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Alice Whitehead; daughters, Tammy and Trudy Whitehead; son-in-law, Dick Benjamin; grandson, Ty Benjamin; brothers, Hugh, Jimmie Don, Willliam E., Charles R., Jerry Lee, and Jack E. Whitehead; and sister, Judith Lynn Beard.

Bobby Joe is survived by his children, Vicki (Ralph) Connor of Vincennes, Becky Benjamin of Benton, IL, Cathy (Bill) Smith of Benton, IL, and Jerry Don (Marcia) Whitehead of Benton, IL; sister, Rosella Ann Carr of Eagle Lake FL.; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at the graveside 11 am C.S.T. Saturday, November 8, 2025 in Center Ridge Cemetery in Sullivan, IN.  Those attending the service may gather at the cemetery at 10:30 to visit with the family. Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery. The Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Ill., 204 N. Halfway Rd. Marion, IL 62959-5058.

Condolences and memories may be left online at colvinfuneralhome.com. The Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Whitehead family.

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