Broadcasters Mourn Loss of Longtime Engineer Mark Whitehead

Mark Whitehead, a devoted husband, father, brother, and steady presence in the lives of all who knew him, passed away on Sunday, March 29 at the age of 65.

Mark Kerley Whitehead was born on October 15, 1960, in Brenham, Texas, to Tom S. and Bonnie D. Whitehead. He had a deep love for his hometown and chose to spend his life there, building lasting connections and a legacy in the community he cherished.

Mark graduated from Brenham High School as a member of the Class of 1979 and went on to complete his studies through the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service in 1982.

Mark spent his lifelong career working as an engineer for his family's radio stations, KWHI and KTEX, where his steady hands and sharp mind helped keep the voices of the community on the air. He took great pride in his work, often behind the scenes, ensuring everything ran smoothly and reliably. While listeners may not have known his name, they heard the results of his dedication every day. His work was not just a job - it was a quiet contribution to the heartbeat of the community he loved.

Mark was a man of quiet strength and deep character. He didn't seek attention or recognition, but those who knew him understood the depth of his loyalty, his kindness, and his unwavering love. He lived his life not through grand words, but through consistent, faithful actions - showing up, helping, providing, and loving without condition.

Mark shared a beautiful love story with his wife, Heidi. From the very beginning, he made it clear that his care came without expectation - only a desire to love and support. Throughout their life together, he remained her constant, her steady ground, and her safe place. Even in the hardest days, that same quiet promise remained between them: "I've got you."

He was a proud father and stepfather, embracing the role of building a family with patience and care. He created a home where love was not only spoken, but lived out daily in the small, steady ways that matter most.

He was known for his strong faith, his work ethic, his sense of responsibility, and the pride he took in providing for and protecting his family. Whether it was caring for the home, helping with everyday tasks, serving at church, going on mission trips, or simply being present, Mark gave of himself fully and without hesitation.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Heidi; his children: Frank (Jenny Downing) Whitehead and Ellen Whitehead (Alex Kluber); his stepchildren: James (Gabby) Baker, Jordyn (Luke) Williams, Stephanie Baker (Christopher Spahn), Jesse Baker, and Jack Baker; and his beloved grandchildren: Levi Baker, LJ Baker, Autumn Martinez, Grant Martinez, Jaxon Spahn, Ryann Whitehead, Solana Williams, Oliver Baker, Charli-Beth Williams, Jace Baker, Audrey Whitehead, and Myles Baker.

He is also survived by his brothers and sister-in-law, Tom and Melissa Whitehead and Robert Whitehead; his father- and mother-in-law, Bob and Gherlaine Hofmann; his brother-in-law, Robert (Stephanie) Hofmann; his sister-in-law, Alicyn (Walt) Huddell; his nieces and nephews: Hunter (Carrie) Whitehead, Amy Huddell, Amber (Micah) Skinner, Austen Hofmann, Lillian Hofmann, Kaitlin Whitehead, and Seoul Whitehead; his great-nephew, Trap Whitehead; cousins Terry Junek, Beverly Derkowski, Linda Baumann, John Swenson and Germaine Swenson. and all those who were fortunate enough to be loved by him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom S. and Bonnie D Whitehead, and his sisters-in-law, Kym Whitehead and Amy Hofmann.

He leaves behind a legacy not of loud accomplishments, but of something far more lasting: a life built on love, faithfulness, and quiet strength - the kind of life that changes people simply by being present in it.

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). The good work God began in Mark's life was evident in the way he loved, served, and faithfully showed up for those around him - and now, that work is complete, whole, and at peace in the presence of his Savior.

Visitation will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home in Brenham on Friday, April 3 from 4-7 PM Services will be Saturday, April 4 at 10 AM at Center Church Brenham 304 N. Market St with internment to follow at Bethany church Cemetery in Burton

In lieu of flowers, Mark's wish was that donations be made to Center Church Brenham Building fund in support of a work that mattered deeply to him.

Donations can be made online at https://centerchurchbrenham.churchcenter.com/giving/to/building-fund