Walter Arthur Whitehead, "Art" as he was known to his family and friends, was born the third of six children to Harvey Walter Whitehead and Meda Marie (Genthe) Whitehead, on January 27, 1928 in the village of Syracuse, Nebraska. He left this earth for heaven as he was sleeping, on Saturday morning, April 3, 2010 at Community Memorial Hospital in Syracuse, at the age of 82 years, two months and seven days.

Art graduated from Syracuse High School with the Class of 1946. On June 14, 1949, he married Betty Lou Kopp at Nebraska City, Nebraska. To this union, four sons were born, James Arthur, David Lynn, Chris Allen and Bruce Harvey. They divorced in 1992.

He was a farmer and raised livestock on the farm near Syracuse until 1970, then moved to town where they owned and operated the Krystal Kitchen restaurant. Art was a carpenter for a large portion of his life, working for various contractors in the Syracuse area and for Gartner Construction and Unadilla Lumber.

After retiring in 1987, Art took up scrollsawing. He was a master woodworker, following in the steps of his father. His home and the homes of his family and friends are decorated with "works of Art," including the exquisite interpretation of the Lord's Prayer. He was especially known for the holiday pins he gave for gifts at Christmastime. This past year he made and delivered 578 pins to his "lady friends," both near and far.

Art loved to fish the area farm ponds and at Harlan County Lake. A new fishing rod and reel spent the past two months propped up against the living room rocker, waiting for spring to come. He was looking forward to getting out again to catch his limit of catfish, bluegill or bass – whichever might be biting on any given day.

Family was so very important to Art. He was proud of each and every one of his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and photos of his family adorned every wall in his home. His faithful companion, Little Bit, saw him through his battle with cancer in the 80s. It was unusual to see Art without Little Bit in his arms, followed by Buddy, Little Bit II and Rocky.

Art is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, James & Carlene Whitehead of Geneva, David & Debra Whitehead of Republican City, Chris Whitehead of Syracuse, and Bruce & Teresa Whitehead of Papillion. Grandchildren and (great-grandchildren), Misty & Sam Adams (Jordan & Carson) of Geneva, Brandon & Kris Whitehead (Heather & Elizabeth) of Hastings, Angela & Ted Tams (Treven & Reagan) of Cook, Troy Whitehead of Unadilla, Ted & Rena Whitehead (Madison & RenaMarie) of San Jose, CA, Carrie & Seth Hellbusch (Evelynn) of Omaha, and Jesse Whitehead of Papillion. Step-grandchildren and (step-great-grandchildren), Ashley & Jason Srajhans (Trenton, Treygan & Trevan) of Milligan, Andy & Julie Tiemeyer (Jerron, Jayden & Janae) of Columbus, Amy & Doug Partridge (Kaylee & Grant) of Fremont, Rebecca & Bryan Smith (Ava & Olivia) of Lawrence, KS, and Katie Dankleff of Boston, MA. Sisters and brother-in-law, Marion & Tom Royal and Margaret Nannen, all of Syracuse. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Jimmy; sisters and brothers-in-law, Betty & Chester Byard and Norma Jean & Merlin Engelbrecht.

Graveside Services will be Thursday, April 8th, at 10:00 A.M. at Park Hill Cemetery, Syracuse, NE, followed by a Memorial Services, Thursday, April 8, 2010, at 11:00 A.M., at the United Methodist Church, Syracuse, NE. In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials are suggested to the Family.

Visitation to Sign The Register Book Only, will be, Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. only, "NO Viewing, Due To Cremation"