HEAD, THOMAS L.

MERRITT ISLAND – Retired Marine Corps 1st Sergeant, Thomas L. Head, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 20, 2001. He was a Marine of uncommon valor and a beloved father.

Born in Oklahoma City on December 25, 1921, he lived most of his life in South Florida until his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps in 1940. For over 25 years he served his country with distinction. Shortly following the outbreak of World War II, he was sent to the Pacific where he proudly fought with Edson’s Raiders on Guadalcanal in August of [1942].

Less than a decade later, he was called upon again by his country and served in the Korean Conflict. He retired from the Corps in 1966 and settled in Brevard County in 1970.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Head of Merritt Island; daughters, Rebecca Locuson and son-in-law, Bruce Locuson of Lancaster, Pa., Cynthia Owens and son-in-law, Douglas Owens of Rocky Mount, N.C., and Jennifer Lusk and son-in-law, Donald Lusk of Merritt Island. The grandfather of seven, he is also survived by Jacob Owens and his wife, Megan Owens of Viera, Jill Owens of Rocky Mount, N.C., Adam and Anna Lusk of Merritt Island, Meghann Viars and her husband, Brett Viars of Lancaster, Pa., Philip and Paul Hope of Lancaster, Pa.; and he was also the great-grandfather of Izaac Viars of Lancaster, Pa.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. today, April 24th, at Grace United Methodist Church in Merritt Island. His remains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Arrangements entrusted to East Coast Cremation.