George Irvin Whitehead

George Irvin Whitehead, 82, of Olean, Missouri passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026 at his residence.  He was born February 20, 1944 to William Carl and Lucy (Farmer) Whitehead of Charleston.  He was married to Hazel Ann (Jobe) on October 28, 1977.

Irvin attended Charleston Public Schools and graduated in 1962.  He participated in football, basketball and track in high school and accepted a Football Scholarship to Murray State University where he played quarterback and lettered his freshman year as a kicker.  He transferred to Southeast Missouri State University in 1963 and lettered three years for the Indians (Red Hawks) as a quarterback and kicker.  Following graduation, he accepted a position with Ritenour High School in north St. Louis County to coach football, basketball and teach health and physical education. 

He moved to Jefferson City in 1968 and went to work for the State of Missouri with the Department of Community Affairs and then the Department of Economic Development, Division of Manpower Planning.  After thirty-three years of service with the state, he retired to his home and farm in Miller County.  Irvin was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

Survivors include, his wife, Hazel, two daughters, Angie (Jim) Bittle of Rocky Mount, Julie Ann (Bill) Wood of Holts Summit, two sons, William Douglas (Alana) of Jefferson City, Michael Jason (Dawn) of Indianapolis, IN, two brothers, Bob (Maryjane) Whitehead and Ben (Phyllis) Whitehead of Charleston, seven grandchildren, Jayme Cummings (Adam), Billy & Cora Wood, Megan (Lee), and Ross Whitehead, Claire and Sydney Whitehead, two great-grandchildren, Lennon Cummings and Willow Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Charles, Bill, Russell, Arthur, Jim John and Richard, and sisters, Carla Jo Knaup, Jenneye Wedeking and Nancy Risko.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO with the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 AM with Bill Wood officiating.  Burial will be held at a later date at Union Cemetery in Rocky Mount, MO.

Memorials in his name are suggested to Union Cemetery of Rocky Mount, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.       

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