Thomas Whitehead

Thomas William Whitehead, 67, of Oskaloosa, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the MHP Serenity Hospice House surrounded by his family. He was born on November 13, 1958, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. The son of Charles R. and Rita M. (Sondgeroth) Whitehead. Tom attended grade school at St. Mary's Catholic School in Oskaloosa for a few years before transferring to Oskaloosa Community schools through the 11th grade. Tom was eager to enter the service, so he finished his senior year at St. Mary's in Colorado, graduating with the class of 1977.

Tom spent four years in the Army; his military career took him to Alaska where Tom fell in love with the state. He lived in Anchorage, Alaska and worked as a groundkeeper for a golf course, then in 1979, Tom started as an apprentice floor installer and in 1983 as a journeyman installer until January 1985. Tom moved back to Oskaloosa in January 1985 after meeting and falling in love with Robin when he met her the year prior while visiting family back in Oskaloosa. On April 29, 1985, he was united in marriage to Robin Schakel at the Candlelight Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tom started working full time for the Oskaloosa Fire/Ambulance Department from 1985 until 2000 while also continuing to lay flooring. He worked for several stores in Oskaloosa including Mathew Carpet Cener, Interiors by Val, Modern Floor Covering and Jansens in Pella. Tom took pride in his work as many customers called him a master craftsman at his job of over 40 years. Tom met and made many friends through his line of work. Tom enjoyed deer hunting with his friends, coaching his son's little league baseball teams, and softball from coaching to spectating his daughter's career where he would still attend Willam Penn softball games. He had a love for dogs and owned many throughout his life. Tom was very proud of both children and loved his grandchildren deeply. Greatest joy of being the best grandpa, he was always actively enjoying as much time with them as possible. Tom was a member of the American Legion in Oskaloosa.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Robin Whitehead of Oskaloosa, his children Joseph (Lindsey) Whitehead and their child Laney of Mansfield, Ohio and Jennifer (Devin) Verwers and their children Hazel and Nile of Oskaloosa; a brother Brian (Kathy) Whitehead of Des Moines, also survived by many nieces and nephews and cousins, and two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Mike Whitehead and William Whitehead.

As Tom's wishes, cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the family in order to purchase a plaque at the MHP Hospice Serenity House.