Stephen E. WilhiteDOVERStephen Earl Wilhite was born on September 25, 1954 in the Philippines to parents Orlan Wayne and Mabel (Harban) Wilhite. Stephen grew up in Baguio City, Philippines. In 1969, Orlan W. became ill and the family moved back to the U.S. Following high school, Steve considered medical school, but instead joined the Air Force, where he worked for 11 years as a crypto-linguist, and became fluent in Russian. He was an instructor at the Defense Language School in Calif. After leaving the Air Force in 1983, he studied acting in London at the Weber Douglas Academy. He was demonstrating promise as an actor. When his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, he returned to help with her care. He landed a job at the Children's Defense Fund in D.C. He became CDF's webmaster, and won an award for best on-line advocacy website. Steve was then recruited by the AFL-CIO as Production Coordinator, and was a political and community activist. He continued to pursue his acting career, balancing it with his demanding day jobs and his loving family. He performed in over 30 professional productions, including "Small Craft Warnings," "The Brothers Karamazov," and "Damien," the leper priest of Molokai. Steve is survived by brothers, Dennis and Ron Wilhite; his sister, Mary Haberkorn; and other survivors include his son, Orlan. A memorial tribute will be held in the Spring. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a homeless shelter near you, or buy a meal for a homeless person, as Steve would have done.Send Condolences at BestLifeTributes.com