DeWayne Whitehead of Salem, MA passed away peacefully on December 27th surrounded by members of his family. Throughout his lifetime, he loved flowers and gardening, creating gardens where ever he lived. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen (Feldhousen) Whitehead to whom he was married for 58 years. The couple lived in Topsfield, MA for many years where they raised their children. He served as Park Commissioner for the town and was active in the Poultry Department of the Topsfield Fair. He later moved to Salem MA.

He worked for over three decades as a flexible packaging authority and management consultant. After suffering a stroke in 1990, he retired from business and became a docent at the Peabody Essex Museum for over 20 years. In 1994 he began working with Salem State College directing their Elderhostel Program. Two fellow docents encouraged him to teach for the Explorers. He thoroughly enjoyed the classes and the students and continued teaching for 23 years. His varied background and amazing memory made his classes informative and enjoyable. He loved to read and do research for his classes and it was with sincere regret that he had to resign this past session.

In addition to his beloved wife, Kathy, he is survived by his brother Wilborn Whitehead of Colorado and his sister Colya Brown of Texas as well as his children: Peter Whitehead of Lowell, Greg Whitehead and his wife Chris of Wenham, Susan Whitehead of Acton MA and Jennifer Whitehead of Beverly, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jason & Sara Moore, Crystal Whitehead, Emme Whitehead, Caleb Shairs, Kahlyn Moore and Bethany Bragdon. He was preceded in death by his son, Geoffrey Whitehead, and his brother William Whitehead and his sister Dorothy Piper.

A memorial gathering and celebration of his life will be held on Saturday January 10, 2015 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at St. Peter's Social Hall, 24 St. Peter's St., Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Expressions of sympathy may be made to The Heifer Project, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock AK 72202 or to a charity of choice in DeWayne's name. Arrangements are under the direction of Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., Salem. For additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit online guest book at www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.