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SSgt. Louis Bates Whitehead, Jr. was born in San Antonio, TX, January 24, 1935 to Louis Bates Whitehead and Annie Franklin Whitehead. He went to be with the Lord on May 22, 2016 at the age of 81. He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, Doris P. Brooks, Dorothy W. Thomas and Dorothy L. Chatman, and one brother, Charles R. Whitehead. Louis is survived by his wife of 23 years, Allegra S. Whitehead; nieces, Cynthia C. Adams Alton and Pamala A. Brooks Roberts Byron; nephews, Quincy A. Brooks, Terrance A. Brooks, Elliott L. Thomas, Kirk W. Thomas, Brian A. Thomas, Edwin Whitehead, Charles K. Whitehead and Dennis Whitehead; sister-in-law Marie Whitehead, her daughter and sons, Anna, Michael, Luis and Rudolph Galindo; step-daughter, Diana E. Copney, step-son, Johann Ciboth, God-daughter, Carrie Ann; his 104 year old cousin, Gertha Childress and the Childress Family of San Antonio, TX, Richard Lockett and family of Houston, TX and a host of friends throughout San Antonio and NIOSA, including Evangeline Vasquez, Ramona Beso and Dorothy Copney. SSgt. Louis B. Whitehead, Jr. was born January 24, 1935 in San Antonio, Texas to Louis B. Whitehead and Annie Franklin Pittman. He was their first born, but born into the family with two older sisters, Doris and Dorothy Pittman. He was later joined by a sibling brother, Charles R. Whitehead. Uncle Louis attended several schools in San Antonio, Texas including St. Peter Cleaver, Cuney Elementary, Douglas Middle School and graduated from Phyllis Wheatly High School, Class of 1954. He attended Prairie View A & M University for one year, and then joined the United States Army in 1955. His military life is chronicled and documented along with his awards and recommendations over a 20 year tenure. He was honorably discharged after each re-enlistment and retired in 1975, a Korean and Vietnam Veteran from the U. S. Army. He spent the next 30 to 40 years in a community life as a musician, Lonesome Louie, One Man Band, performing in nursing homes in San Antonio, throughout Bexar County and surrounding counties and with the greatest of pleasures, during the Battle of Flowers Fiesta for NIOSA Night In Old San Antonio for over 30 years. During this period he met again and married his childhood friend and love interest, Allegra S. Steen Copney. They became husband and wife on September 9, 1992. From that point on, his life was a partnership of memories and new adventures. He embraced a blended family that offered him new diversity and human enrichment. He was always the featured favorite at his own family reunions and special birthday parties of cousins and friends. Of course he will be missed, but the memories and stories exchanged since knowledge of his passing from the complications of ALS, have made him come to life and to acknowledgement by the multitude of people he has touched throughout the United States and in U. S. military theaters overseas. As much as it would give us pleasure to recollect his humor, which became legendary in his later life or the real reason his musical handle was Lonesome Louie, One Man Band, as well as the rich memories of his Cousin, 103 year old Mrs. Gertha Childress Murphy or his Sister-in-law, Marie Whitehead who was intimate with both he and his wife, SSgt. Louis B. Whitehead, Jr. Uncle Louis would want ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease to be acknowledged as a disease which needs not only greater research as to establishing early detection and diagnosis but also to the development of medications for a cure rather than slowing the progression. As he watched his wife of 23 years leave for Houston to reside with her daughter because of the ALS, he was unable to care for her physical and medical condition as he had, he knew he had to pray for a miracle for them to be together again. Uncle Louis had great confidence in Dr. Carlayne Jackson of UTSA, Dr. Ali and Dr.Ybarra of the V. A. Hospital, many thanks to the Paralyzed Veterans Organization for understanding the extent of his dilemma. There are not enough words to thank the medical and case management staffs of Brooke Army Medical Center and LifeCare Long Term Care Hospital that were instrumental in giving him confidence yet truth in what would become his new life. In closing, Uncle Louis memory will always have the reflection of the loving, dedicated care of Evangelina Vasquez, more than a care provider, a friend, a confidante. Then too, Ramona Beso, who was a constant, diligent prayer warrior who prepared him daily for his talk with God. Uncle Louis always prayed for a miracle and we believe for everyday he lived, he received God's miracle.

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SSgt. Louis Bates Whitehead, Jr.

January 24, 1935 - May 22, 2016