Gilbert Duane Whitehead, 82, died January 4, 2010 in Smithville, Texas.

Born March 22, 1927 in Crystal City, Texas to Fay Ebarb Whitehead and Alton Montgomery Whitehead, he grew up in Elgin, Texas. After completing Elgin High School, he joined the United States Navy during World War II.

After the war, Whitehead attended The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in pharmacy and then chemistry. He worked for Dow Chemical in Freeport in the 1950s, and in 1954 he purchased Whitehead Truck and Tractor Company in Brenham, Texas. In 1968, he moved to Smithville and owned and operated Smithville Furniture Company until he retired.

A member of the Presbyterian Church, Whitehead was also a Mason and a Shriner.

Whitehead is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruth Stalmach Whitehead; daughter, Mary Whitehead Boord; and grandchildren Emily, Rachel and Ian Boord, all of Smithville. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Whitehead Wiley of Elgin, Texas.

A memorial service was held January 17, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church in Smithville, with a short graveside service following at Oak Hill Cemetery.