D. Craig Whitehead

D. Craig Whitehead

It is with sadness that we as Craig’s family announce his passing on February 8, 2026 following a long illness. He was 74.

Craig was born on June 28, 1951 in Ogden, Utah. His parents were Junior Darrll Whitehead and Mary Anna (Murray) Whitehead. He was the second of five children. His parents were loving people, and they believed in teaching their children responsibility and to work hard in everything they did.

While he was a good student, his real love as a youth was sports, especially baseball. He was a NY Yankees fan for most of his life, and daydreamed as a youth to play first base for them. Mickey Mantle was his baseball hero.

Craig was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While in high school, he played first base and pitcher for the church’s softball team. In those days, the church sponsored an All-Church Softball tournament. His ward’s (congregation) road to the All-Church tournament followed their winning over several other wards. Craig later edited and produced a video “The Boys of Summer”highlighting their final game of that tournament.

In 1971, Craig began serving a 2-year mission for the church. His call was to serve in the Southeast Asia mission, primarily serving in Thailand. During that time, he taught the Thai people about Jesus Christ, as Thailand was primarily a Buddhist nation. He became fluent in Thai, and he grew to love the Thai people.

Following his mission, he began attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He enjoyed the opportunity to delve into areas of study that would later shape his life. His creative side came through in his study of Photography and film. This would later guide him as he produced many videos for family and travel events.

One of his most memorable experiences was his sic-month study abroad to Israel in 1974. Visiting the places where the Savior lived and taught was a choice and unforgettable.

At BYU, he ultimately studied Political Science which led to his interest in Public Administration, and his receiving his MPA in 1983.

His chosen field first brought him to Rochester, NY as an Administrative Intern. Later, he moved to Canandaigua, NY to serve as Budget Director and then Assistant City Manager. It was while he was in Canandaigua that he met his wife Sandy. They were married August 22, 1992.

His career in city management later brought him to Newport, VT, Sioux City, IA, Peoria, IL, American Ford, UT, and then to Independence, KS. His daughter Rachel was born in Sioux City, IA.

Following his retirement in 2019, life slowed for him, and he was grateful to be near family, comfortable in his home. As his health deteriorated, he could still enjoy watching TV and talking with his wife Sandy about the political events of the day, as well as watching the great old movies on TCM.

His daughter Rachel wants everyone to know that he was a great dad.

Hs is survived by his wife, Sandy, and his daughter Rachel; sisters Susan and Lori, his brother Murray, and many nieces and nephews.

He is pre-deceased by his parents, his brother Kevin, and two infant brothers, Steven and Kim.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, February 28th at 1:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 507 Mulberry St., Independence, KS.

Memorial donations may be made to Harry Hynes Hospice. Many thanks to them for their outstanding care.