Harrison Head

Edward Harrison Head, age 92, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2022, at Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny while under the dedicated care of Suncrest Home Health and Hospice. Harrison’s last moments on earth were peaceful, with his family by his side.

Harrison was born July 7, 1930, in Des Moines, Iowa to Glenn and Elizabeth (Deemer) Head. He was a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area. He was a graduate of East High School, Class of 1948, and earned the distinction of salutatorian. He received his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in 1952. Harrison married Vera A. Wagner in July of 1958.

Harrison served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Paricutin during the Korean War.

Harrison’s work ethic was unparalleled. He was a farmer by trade, a research farm manager, a wood truss production foreman, and an inflatable building form construction foreman during his working years. He was formerly employed by Diamond Laboratories, MidWest Lumber, and Precision Air Structures.

Harrison enjoyed woodworking and stock investment clubs. He was known for providing levity and he had an arsenal of jokes at the ready. The family lived on an acreage and Harrison loved being in the woods, clearing paths, and appreciating nature.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Vera Head of Urbandale; daughters, Susan Cramer (John) of Ames and Deborah Gadlin (Maurice) of Cumming; son, Brian Head (Ann) of Cumming; grandchildren, Sarah Cramer Smith (James), Rachel Cramer, Olivia Gadlin, Derek Gadlin, David Head, and Catie Head; great-grandchildren, Harrison Jasper Smith and Romy Smith.

Harrison was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Edward Harley Head.

A celebration of life with a time of sharing will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Burial will take place at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Orilla, Iowa at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Food Bank of Iowa, P.O. Box 1517, Des Moines, IA 50305 or the American Diabetes Association, 6200 Aurora Ave, Ste. 504W, Urbandale, IA 50322.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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