John Louis Whitehead

John Louis Whitehead, 74, formerly of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, passed away peacefully in his Berlin, Maryland home on November 13, 2025, after a long illness.

John was born in Burlington, Vermont, on December 5, 1950, the son of the late Donald Wharton Whitehead and the late Margaret Adelaide (Sharpe) Whitehead.

As a young child, John moved to Stoughton, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Stoughton High School in 1968. A natural athlete, he developed a love of sports early, especially playing the position of catcher in Little League and then high school baseball. He continued playing in a senior league in the Washington D.C. area.

Shortly after graduation, John joined the United States Marine Corps, where he met lifelong fellow Marine brothers. In recent years, John became active with the Maryland United States Marine Corps League.

After an honorable discharge from the Corps, John met and married his wife, Debbie. John and Debbie established a home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where they raised their two daughters, Kimmy and Linda, and many Labrador retrievers. He worked for National Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., eventually buying the company. His last 10 years after retirement were spent working for S&W Controls, Inc.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, John was an easy-going, intelligent guy with a quick wit. He was particularly good at one-liners. He enjoyed being with his grandchildren, especially watching them play softball and football; meeting with his Marine Corps buddies; collecting watches; reading and studying U.S. history; and spending time with his little dogs, Nicky and Kai. He and Debbie became avid cruisers, traveling to many different ports around the world.

In addition to his wife Deborah Ann (Stephens), John leaves behind a daughter, Linda Maurie Powell, two sons-in-law, Douglas Powell and Robert Lankford, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, as well as two sisters, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by a daughter, Kimberly Ann Lankford.

Services will be held Monday, December 1, 2025, at Lee Funeral Home, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, Maryland 20736. Family will receive guests for a viewing starting at 11:00 am with a service in the funeral home chapel at 12:30 pm. Internment will be at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery, Owings, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org).

Condolences may be sent to www.LeeFuneralHomes.com.

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