MARK WHITEHEAD RETIRING FROM KWHI, KTEX-106 AFTER 39 YEARS
A long-time fixture at KWHI and KTEX-106 is retiring today (Friday).
Mark Whitehead is retiring after 39 years of service to Radio Central. Mark was hired in 1985 to replace Lonnie Schlottmann, who had been the chief engineer for the station since it began in 1947.
Mark says he is retiring earlier than he wants to because he has been diagnosed with Atypical Parkinson’s Disease. He says the disease affects his speech and sense of balance as well as other things.
As Chief Engineer, Mark is one of the “behind the scenes” persons at Radio Central. He takes care of all the on-air equipment as well as the 100-year-old building they are housed in. He says he is proudest of the on-line presence of the stations, particularly kwhi.com.
Lance Parr will be taking over for Mark. He will be working part-time at the Chief Engineers job. He lives in College Station and is the Chief Engineer for several stations.
Mark has always been the quiet, steady guy in the background but probably the most important employee at the radio station. I’ll never forget when we rummaged around in the basement and found all those historic discs and other material I used for the documentary on the station! We had a blast and you helped me put that all together. You should have gotten credit on that award, too. I wish you all the best in your retirement and pray for your health and happiness. Love you man.
Mark is the best engineer I worked with in my over 40 years in broadcasting. A great all around guy.
Cactus Ken Murray
Mark, thanks for all the folks you’ve help in your 39 years. Our prayers are with you and your next challenge in life!