Robert L. Whitehead

Robert L. Whitehead, 92, of Topeka passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025. Robert was born in Topeka on June 9, 1933, the son of Marshall W. Whitehead and Mattie A. Powell. He attended several grade schools, Holiday Junior High School and graduated from Topeka High School with the class of 1951.

After graduation, Robert attended Kansas State University before being drafted into the United States Army, serving l8 months in Korea. He was awarded several medals for his service during the Korean War. After his service, he moved to Denver, Colorado and was a procurement officer for Martin Marietta Company.

This is where he met the love of his life, Margaret and on January 7, 1961 he and Margaret were married and soon after moved to Topeka, Kansas starting employment with the Santa Fe Railway where he was employed for over 29 years beginning as a Switchman, later becoming a Yardmaster and finishing his career as a Trainmaster, retiring in 1993. It should be noted Robert was known as the Singing Trainmaster, singing one line ditties throughout the shift.

After retirement he and Margaret enjoyed traveling and attending their grandchildren’s events.

He was a history buff, garnering a lot of knowledge about the Civil War, World War l and World War ll. He also found grocery shopping a sport. And if Robert had any advice to give he would say, “Never fry bacon in the nude”.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Whitehead of Topeka; son, Shane Whitehead of Topeka; daughter, Robin Hubbard and her husband Sean of Carbondale; grandchildren, Ethan Baker and his wife Hannah of Wichita, Chester Hubbard of Manhattan, Kiwenke Hubbard of Topeka, Rayn Baker of Carbondale and Joshua Baker of Carbondale. He was proceeded in death by infant twin daughters.

Cremation is planned. No services will be held at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to NE Kansas Parkinson Association, P.O. Box 67542, Topeka, Kansas 66607-0342.

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