Eugene “Gene” Whitehead

Eugene “Gene” Whitehead, 97, of Evansville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in his home surrounded by family. He was born October 15, 1927, in Evansville to Gladys and Clifford Whitehead.

Gene died just as he lived, with grace, humility, courage, humor, and a heart full of love. Gene was born and raised during the Great Depression, and despite not knowing he was poor until he was an adult, he lived the American dream.

Gene was the last remaining survivor from the 1944 and 1945 Bosse High School Basketball State Championship teams, still the only repeat state championship team in Evansville history. The players on these teams were local celebrities, playing in front of sold-out crowds nearly every game. Gene later went to Purdue University on a basketball scholarship before leaving during his freshman year to join the Army Air Corps. Though the war efforts were winding down, and despite his flat feet resigning him to typewriter duties, he often joked that he took care of the war for us. Gene wanted nothing more than to come home to the love of his life, his high school sweetheart and prettiest girl in her high school class, Gail Wright.

Upon his return, they immediately married and had five children over the next ten years. Gene was a self-made man who never took a paycheck from anyone. Gene built his first business as a teenager, turning a street-side fruit stand into a full grocery store by his early 20s. He created and sold multiple businesses and ultimately owned investment properties all over town. He learned his admirable and enduring values from his parents, the hardest-working people he had ever known. Gene was honest, funny, intelligent, hard-working, friendly, loyal, enormously generous, and always committed to his family. He epitomized the Greatest Generation.

Gene's father, a truck driver, worked long and hard days, including weekly runs to Florida to return produce to local grocery stores. Gene always said that his dad “whistled while he worked,” perhaps why no one ever heard Gene complain, ever. His mother, Gladys, a highly intelligent schoolteacher, raised her children to be kind and responsible and value education. She was a strong soul who carried the grief and sorrow of having lost two young children to illnesses now treatable. Gene’s older brother and idol, Don, set the bar high. Gene and his dad once drove to Louisville to watch Don and his #3 ranked UK Wildcats basketball team, coached by Adolf Rupp, play in front of a sold-out crowd. Gene idolized his big brother and loved telling Don’s stories. Gene’s exemplary integrity and character were undoubtedly passed down from his wonderful family. Gene lived a full life. He loved sports and became a scratch golfer. He was known to have shot his age in his 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Gene was an accomplished baseball player who coached Pony League baseball for several years. He was known as Coach Whitehead to many local athletes and had many life-lasting relationships with his players. Gene also played competitive sports into his adult life, and despite once throwing his 2nd place trophy out the car window because he “didn’t need it,” he generally always had a great attitude.

Gene had many lifelong and loyal friends, a list too long to start. Ultimately, Gene’s life is defined by his admirable character, devotion to his wife, Gail, and love of family. His favorite evenings were playing cards at home with family. He loved having his family around. He loved the simplicity of life, choosing to vacation very little because he missed his people. He wanted to be home. He wanted to laugh. He wanted to watch his family grow and flourish. A great storyteller, his pride and joy was in his five children who adored him, his twenty grandchildren who looked up to him, and even his 51 great-grandchildren who will continue to be impacted by Gene's legacy. Gene’s family is so grateful for his life. He will be missed. He will be cherished. He will live on through his example.

He is survived by a loyal and beloved sister, Pat (Gale) Miller; his five children: Donna (Tom) Lynch, Dr. Daniel Whitehead of Evansville, Joe (Sheila) Whitehead of Naples, FL, Julie Hatfield, and Sally (Tom) Hoover of Carmel, IN; 19 grandchildren; and 51 great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Gail, a sister, Virginia Million, a brother, Dr. Donald Whitehead, daughter-in-law Dana Whitehead, and granddaughter Amie Hubbard.

A private celebration of life will be held at a time yet to be determined.

To honor Gene’s memory, dedicate an act of kindness, pay it forward, use more humor, and help someone close to you today.

Boone Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Eugene “Gene” Whitehead. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eugene “Gene” Whitehead, please visit our floral store.