John Edward Head

John Edward Head passed away on April 15, 2015. John was born in Muskogee, OK on August 1, 1935 to Herbert Owen and Evelyn Pickerell Head. He attended Muskogee Public Schools graduating from Muskogee Central High School with the Class of 1953. His first two summers after graduation were spent working in Yellowstone National Park. He enjoyed the experience so much he convinced two of his children to follow in his footsteps some twenty five years later. He completed his education at Oklahoma A&M (OSU) and Northeastern State University.

In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart Marjorie Sue Nelson and they had three children. John retired from Nelson Furniture Company and then also enjoyed a career with American Bank. John served on many boards including Boy Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, Gospel Rescue Mission, Rotary Club, and Muskogee Country Club. An avid golfer, he enjoyed the many friendships made and the annual golf trips to other courses around the country.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his sister Barbara Head Lang. He is survived by his children Susan Head of Cherry Hill, NJ, Nelson Head and wife Lynda of Tulsa, OK and Shirley Head Beckman and husband Tom of Edmond, OK. He also leaves five grandchildren, Nelson and Mollie Head, and Elizabeth, Audrey and Emily Beckman. His extended family includes his sister’s children, Tom Lieb and wife Lisa of Roseville, CA, Letitia Lieb Callahan and husband Rodney of Muskogee, OK and Mary Lieb Becerra of Tucscon, AZ and their children.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or St. Francis Hospice Care. Per his wishes, a private family burial is planned.