Eva Darlene Whitehead

Eva Darlene Whitehead, 80, of Carman, died Thursday, May 12, 2016, at the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington.

Born June 6, 1935, in Arbela, MO, Scotland County, she was the daughter of Calvin Seldon and Juanita Blanch Brown Webber. On June 21, 1951, she married James Arthur Whitehead in Kahoka, MO. 

Darlene was a LPN at St. Francis in Peoria, and an industrial nurse for Pabst Brewing Company in Peoria Heights, IL for 35 years before retiring in 1985.

She was a member of the Carman United Methodist Church.  She and her husband made Carman their summer home in the early 1990's and later made it their home.  They were snowbirds and enjoyed traveling in their motor home to Barefoot Bay, Florida.  She enjoyed fishing and spending time on the family farm with her family especially her grandchildren.  She was close to her family, and treated everyone the same.  Her wish for her 80th birthday was to have her entire family together.  Her wish came true and many cherished family photos were taken.  Darlene had a great perseverance and was always happy.  She had many special friends, never met a stranger, and always thought of others first.  

Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Debra Lynn (Roy E.) Bockler of Pekin, IL; one son, James Calvin (Michelle Simmons) Whitehead of Eldon, MO; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Calvin (Wally) Weber, Jr. of East Peoria, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, at the Carman United Methodist Church on Thursday.  The funeral service for Mrs. Whitehead will be 11:00 AM Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Carman United Methodist Church with Rev. Karna Peterson officiating.  A time of food and fellowship will be held at the Carman United Methodist Church following the service.

Additional services will take place on Friday, May 20, 2016, at Payne Funeral Home in Memphis, MO.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM with the funeral service following at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be in Memphis Cemetery.  A time of food and fellowship will be held at the First Baptist Church in Memphis, Mo. following the burial.

A memorial has been established for the Carman United Methodist Church, Carman, IL.

Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home & Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Darlene's obituary at www.prughthielencares.com.