Colonel Edward James Head, beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, Air Force Colonel, and friend, passed away Sept. 24, 2026 at the age of 85 after a life marked by service, family, faith, generosity, and accomplishment.
Edward was born on Dec. 29, 1940 to Eugene and Emma Herndon Head. He was a devoted husband of 63 years to Norma Jean (Wahl) Head, a father who set high standards and encouraged his two children, and a proud grandfather of three, and great-grandfather of three who cared deeply for his family.
His story began in Virginia. He and his beloved wife Norma first met as children growing up in Charlottesville where they spent summer days swimming together at Fry Springs Pool. Their childhood friendship eventually became a high-school romance, and they married in 1963. He attended the University of Virginia, where he entered ROTC and played football for the Cavaliers. His enjoyment of sports (football, tennis and golf) stayed with him throughout his life.
Following college, he entered pilot training in Laredo, Texas where their daughter Jennifer was born and the beginning of a distinguished 26-year career in the United States Air Force. He retired with the rank of Colonel after a career that included two tours during the Vietnam War and more than 500 nighttime sorties flying C-130’s. The family was stationed in Okinawa where their son Jim was born. Edward was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in Vietnam.
After Vietnam, Ed became a T-37 instructor in Enid OK and then a T-38 Instructor pilot at Randolph AirForce Base in Universal City Texas. Ed then became Squadron Commander, Base Commander and lead the Inspector General Team for ATC. He earned his master’s degree in education from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. Then, Ed and Norma taught together at Judson High School in Converse.
While his career and accomplishments were significant, his family knew another side of him – the dad and grandfather who created memories simply by spending time with them. With nearly a month off during many summers, he took his family on trips across the country, including memorable vacations to the Grand Canyon. He flew a private plane to take his daughter to college and could be found jet skiing with his son at Canyon Lake. These were years of shared family experiences that became treasured memories.
He was generous with his family and took great satisfaction in helping those he loved. He helped his children with their education and later helped his grandchildren with college expenses as well.
He and his wife later purchased El Shaddai Retreat Center, where together they spent more than 20 years renovating the property and helping it grow into a place that has served countless children, families, churches, and groups. El Shaddai was more than a business to them; it was a ministry and a shared commitment that became an important part of their life together. He took pride in improving the grounds at El Shaddai by landscaping with cactus, working on the roads, caring for the pool, and continually finding ways to make the property better. Much of what visitors see at El Shaddai today bears the mark of his work and determination. The ministry that continues at El Shaddai is an important part of the legacy he and his wife built together.
His generosity reached beyond his family. He was active in his church, serving on the building and grounds committee. His faith and church community were important parts of his life. He was also a member of the Yorktown Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
Grandpa Head was never seen in a recliner without a dog on his lap, orange slices and peanuts by his side, and demanding you pay up for the silly bet you just lost on the football game.
Above all, he will be remembered not simply for the rank he achieved, the planes he flew, the awards he received, or the positions he held, but for the life he built with the girl he had known since childhood and the family that grew from their 63 years together. His was a life well lived, and his influence will continue in the people he loved, the lives he touched, and the legacy he leaves behind. Ed lost his battle to Alzheimer’s disease, and the family is forever grateful to his nurses and everyone at Alzcare in Cuero, Texas.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years Norma Wahl Head, daughter Jennifer Black and husband Mark, son Jim Head and wife Linzi, granddaughter Dr. Morgan Heck and husband Jake, grandson SSgt Mason Black and wife PO2 Carol Anne, and grandson Dillon Head married to golf. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Prudence Black, Elliott Black and Maximillian Black and his brother Eugene Head and wife Janice.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to El Shaddai Retreat Center, NP.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Yorktown, Texas on Friday, October 16th at 10am.