Whitehead, Robert T. Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Mon. May 30, 2022. Beloved husband of Joan N. Whitehead (nee Kral) for over 67 years. Loving father of Linda (John) Smith, Brenda (Frank) Stassek and Bob (Cindy) Whitehead.; cherished Papa and Pop of Brian (Jackie), Rebecca (Sam), Kain (Lesley), Crystal, Anna, Julie, Ben and Great Pop of Kayle, Izzy, Hudson, Duke, Sam, Aria, Anthony, Nathan, Johnny and Mia, and friend to many.
Bob Whitehead was born on May 28, 1933, to Stanley and Opal Whitehead in Potosi, Missouri. Bob met Joan Kral, his high school sweetheart and wife of 67 years, in the 3rd grade. After graduating from Cleveland High School, Bob earned an athletic scholarship to Kansas State where he was the quarterback of the football team and led off as the Wildcats’ third baseman. Bob’s athletic career didn’t end at Kansas State. After graduation, he, Joan, and their family returned to St. Louis where he became an 8-time soccer National Champion, earned two caps with the U.S. Men’s National team, and was named the Kutis MVP in 1962-1963. In 1996 he was elected to the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame.
Bob was much more than an elite athlete — he was a loving husband, father, papa, great-papa and friend. His kids would joke about their strict father when they were growing up. “If he said, ‘jump!’ we said, ‘how high?’” But the stories they tell repeatedly show his sense of humor and his protective love for his family. He was the life of the party. He always had a seat at the family poker table or next to Joan playing hand after hand of Bridge. The friends he camped with loved him; fish feared him. He was the ultimate handyman, a master builder of bird houses and banks, and borderline mean when it came to hiding Easter eggs for his grandchildren. Well into their adult years, his grandchildren gave his long legs a wide berth when he was settled into his favorite chair, just in case he might revert to his old tricks of trapping them in a leg-lock as they walked by. Quick-witted, humble, and happy, if you asked Bob what he did for work, he’d tell you, “Nothing, I never worked a day in my life.”
When Bob was in college, the local newspaper ran a story about what characteristics he brought to the football team. The article details his versatility, being able to run, pass, and punt. But the article also discusses his small size — five foot nine inches, 145 pounds. His stature didn’t deter his coach from keeping Bob from the starting lineup. Coach Bus Mertes said, “That 145 pounds is all heart.” His family couldn’t agree more.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s or Diabetes Association.
Services: Memorial mass at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church, Tuesday, June 7, at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery.
KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY SERVICE
My father, Bill Looby, played on Kutis with Mr Whitehead for many years during the 50’s and 60’s. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and understanding for all his friends and family.
Whenever I saw Mr. Whitehead he always had a smile on his face and always had a story to tell.
I know words can’t begin to comfort you at this time of sadness, but please remember how much I care and that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I played with Bob on the 1950s Kutis teams. Great Player. Great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with .his family
Condolences on your loss. Mr. Whitehead was well know to my family since my Mom went to Cleveland and Dad St. Mary’s. Being from South St Louis back in the day they ran with similar friends. Mr Whitehead was my little league baseball coach one year and in my teens I got to know his son Bobby well..thru my college days and on. I’ve told my Dad, Charlie Bartnet of Bob’s passing and I’m sure he will at the Memorial. RIP Mr. Whitehead and may God bless you. Prays for your family. Amen!
Our family functions will not be the same without him, his sense of humor, his readiness with a quick chuckle when relaying a story will sadly be missed. Holiday and family traditions will go forward but won’t quite be the same without him. RIP Bob and know that your forever in our hearts and mind.
One of a kind. That was Pop. Filled holiday gatherings or random BBQs with contagious laughter. Always smiling and telling stories (most of the time laughing too hard to get the whole thing out) and always by his Joanie’s side. The best stories involved my grandma and their early days of starting a family and all the adventures that it entailed. She made him so incredibly happy, you could see it in his face. His whole life he was simply happy and grateful. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Bob was the nicest man. I always enjoyed watching him and Joan interact with each other such a true inspiration to what love and respect look like. Our family will miss him dearly. I always enjoyed all the soccer stories Brian would share with us, you could see in his eyes just how proud he was of his pops. RIP Bob and know we’re always thinking about you.
So sorry to hear of Bobs passing . Enjoyed seeing you both at the casino and in past years listening to Bob . God bless you