He born on Sept. 20, 1939 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Ralph and Opal Parker Whitehead. Laroye was raised and attended schools in Wyoming. He moved to Umatilla, Oregon in 1963 and has lived in the Umatilla-Hermiston area since. He worked at the Hansell Pig Farm at Ordinance until it shut down and later worked at J&M Manufacturing. Laroye and Kathleen had a cleaning service that they owned and operated for several years. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, western movies and drawing. Laroye was an accomplished wildlife artist, both painting and drawing wildlife for many years.
He is survived by his longtime companion: Kathleen Anderson, Hermiston, OR; son: Laroy N. “Butch” Whitehead Jr., Umatilla, OR; sister: Glenda Williams, Hermiston, OR; 6 grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Laroye was preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Nancy Marie Gray; sisters: Starlett Whitehead & Caroline Moreno; brothers: Harold and Bill Whitehead.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
