Charles Rollin Head II

Berwick – Charles Rollin Head II, 88, devoted husband of Mary Joan Ray Head died peacefully, January 29, 2017.

Charles loved the Lord, Joan and his family:  He is Papa to Laura Shearer Head Powell (Jay), Jennifer Johnson Head Mabry, Charles Malcolm Head (Susan), Sarah Bartlett Head Stambaugh (Joe), Jane Milne Head Shimkus (Randy).  He was preceded in death by his infant son, Matthew Ray Head.

His 16 grandchildren lit up his life and gave him the greatest joy.  Rollin Dean Head (Sasha), Alexander Reed Head (Lena), Caitlin Head Powell, Ralph Jacob Powell IV, Charles Anthony Powell, Brittany Anne Powell, Laurel Grace Mabry Poff (Jim), Heather Katherine Mabry, Sarah Elizabeth Mabry, Solomon Harrison Mabry, Moriah Alexandra Mabry, Hunter Milne Mabry, William Ervin Stambaugh, Olivia Esther Shimkus, Malcolm Austin James Shimkus, Mason Scott Shimkus.  Raegan Marie Head (Rollin & Sasha) is the first great grandchild that tickled Charles beyond words.

Charles was the cherished son of Dr. Jerome Reed Head and Jean Milne Head.  He grew up in Evanston, Illinois with his full of life and adventurous brothers; Louis, James, Jerome, Steve and Henry.  

Charles graduated Amherst College after a college career that included his Xi Psi fraternity, football and a hard earned history degree.  Charles was a veteran of the Korean War.

He began his farming career in Boiling Brook, Illinois.  The neighboring farmers took him under their wing when they saw his love for using his hands in the soil and being his own boss.

Charles met the love of his life, a peppy physical education teacher, Joan Ray, in Amboy, Illinois, and the next 61 years were one for the ages.  They spent the first 6 years of their marriage in a log cabin that Charles, his brothers and the Gunderson cousins built.

Charles, Joan and their first three children moved to Berwick, Illinois, in 1963 where they established Head Acres.

Charles had a servant's heart.  He was an active member of the Abingdon Christian Church.  He served as Sunday School Teacher, Elder and Strong Bass Vocalist in the choir.  Charles was privileged to serve the church through praying and preparing Dial A Devotion.  He was a founding member of the Abingdon Lay Council.  Additional accomplishments and service were dedicated to the Abingdon Rotary Club, the Willing Workers 4-H Club, the Abingdon School Board, being a substitute teacher and member of the Warren County Farm Bureau.

Charles did not miss his Monday afternoon bridge games or any meal that ended with pie, paired with ice cream or covered in cool whip.   He was known to strike up a competitive game of Solitaire, Ghost and of course Spoons.

Charles will be terribly missed by his family and friends while his many accomplishments, his pony tail (began at age 80) and his legacy of reciting cherished poems will last for generations.

Charles Rollin Head II will be celebrated on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at the Abingdon Christian Church, 409 S. Main, Abingdon.  Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with the funeral service beginning at 11.  Rev. Darryl McDaniel will officiate.  Burial at the Berwick Cemetery with military rites will follow the service and all are welcome to join the family for lunch back at the Abingdon Christian Church.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Abingdon Rotary Park or the Abingdon Christian Church Pavilion Fund.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

May the peace of God and love of God that surpasses all understanding dwell in your hearts forever and ever and ever.

AMEN