Thomas Phillip Whitehead

Thomas Phillip Whitehead, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and neighbor, died peacefully surrounded by his family on January 14, 2026. He was born on October 12, 1924 to Merrill Whitehead Sr. and Mable Rose Newbern in Shreveport, Louisiana. The family moved to Houston and settled into their home on Brompton Road in West University Place in 1934. Tom attended West University Elementary, Pershing Junior High and graduated from Lamar High School in 1942. Tom's love for design led him to a degree in architecture from The University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated from the School of Engineering in 1947. Following his graduation from Texas, Tom would spend the next 6 years working for two of Houston's most prestigious architectural design firms, MacKie & Kamrath and Kenneth Franzheim, whose modern design was influenced by both Frank Lloyd Wright and Philip Johnson. At the age of 29, Tom was ready to start his own firm with fellow architect George Smart, and in 1953 Smart and Whitehead Architects was established. Tom was active in the Texas Society of Architects and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Additionally, he was a member of the Fork and Knife club, The Museum of Fine Arts and the Harris County Heritage Society.

In 1958, at a cocktail party hosted by friends, Tom met the love of his life Jo-Ann Bonnell Hayward and the two were married on December 13, 1961 in Youngstown, Ohio. Soon thereafter, they became members of the Sagewood Country Club, which later merged with the Houston Racquet Club in 1966. Tom became an avid tennis player in the early 60's, a sport he loved and continued to play into his late 90's. At the age of 86, Tom won the 2010 Houston Racquet Club's Men's Doubles Senior Championship with his partner John Williams.

Tom and Jo-Ann began their family life together in 1964 with the arrival of their son, Thomas and later in 1967 with the birth of their daughter Caroline. Tom and Jo-Ann were very engaged in the lives of their children. They were active members of St Luke's United Methodist Church and volunteered at The Awty School, Post Oak Little League and The Kinkaid School.

After an expansive architectural career with design projects including Grace Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church in the Heights, Congregation Emanu El, MD Anderson, Robert E. Lee High School, The St. John's School original tunnel, St. Luke's United Methodist Church parsonage, Tallowood Baptist Church, Yates High School and Lakeside National Bank in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Tom retired in 1993.

Retirement provided more time for traveling with Jo-Ann, tending to the farm property in LaGrange, playing tennis with friends and family, and attending Astros games. More than anything, he cherished his personal time with his grandchildren. "G-Paw" could always be found supporting his grandchildren in whatever sport was in season and sometimes multiple events in one night. He loved family dinners and was the first to share his latest recipes with everyone at the table.

Tom was a patriotic American, a proud Texan and an Eagle Scout. He was an artist whose favorite medium was watercolor. He was fascinated with history and politics, enjoyed the outdoors, and was a lifelong Texas Longhorn, a passion he passed on to his children and grandchildren. His strong faith sustained him throughout his life and carried him until the end.

Tom is survived by son Thomas Hayward Whitehead and wife Katherine, daughter Caroline Whitehead Hildreth, and husband Jeffrey; grandchildren William Holly Whitehead and wife Madelyn, Suzannah "Annie" Whitehead Burdette and husband Cole, Thomas Barton Whitehead and wife Devyn and James Butler Whitehead and wife Jenna; Hayward Hildreth Woodmansee, and husband Alec, John Harrison Hildreth and Alexandra Bonnell Hildreth; great grandchildren Patrick Wilson Whitehead, Margaret Holly Whitehead, Rhodes Thomas Woodmansee and Katherine Cole Burdette. He is also survived by brother Merrill Whitehead Jr, wife Gloria, son Bruce Willson Whitehead and wife Chisa and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom leaves behind a legacy of love and generosity and his celebrated pinto bean recipe. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Christ the King Presbyterian Church, 1201 Silber Road, Houston, Texas 77055. Reception to follow at the church.