Raymond Thomas Whitehead; 71; died on January 12, 2023, in La Grange Park, Illinois with his family by his side.  He was born July 1, 1951, to Robert and Blanche Carolyn Whitehead of Bellevue, Kentucky.  He attended the University of Kentucky where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.  He enjoyed a 39-year career as an analytical chemist at Procter & Gamble.

He is survived by his daughter, Bridget Whitehead MD; former wife, Maureen Cole; stepsiblings, Leah Jones, Toni Weitkamp, John, Chris and Dale Simmons; and many loving in-laws, cousins, nephews, and nieces.

He raised his family in Mt. Lookout and loved to spend summer days gardening with his black Labradors close by.  As a chemist, he is remembered as a kind and patient mentor and for his perfect penmanship.  While mild mannered almost always, he was a feverishly passionate University of Kentucky basketball fan and never missed the opportunity to enjoy a Bronx Bomber pizza while watching a game.  Most of all, he was a devoted father.  He bravely fought ALS for the last 18 months of his life with support from his daughter, former wife, and in-laws Luke Barr MD, Walter and Hally Barr and Mary Massa MD.

A funeral service in the Cincinnati area will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to “Team Gleason Foundation” which supports patients with ALS.

Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home at 708-352-6500.