Veteran of World War I. Information extracted from obituary in San Angelo Standard Times, May 19, 1998.
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The Goldthwaite Eagle-Mullin Enterprise, Date Thursday, May 21, 1998. Page 11

Faira Head, county's last WWI veteran, Laid to rest at Center City on May 20th

Faira Madison Head age 101, the only World War I Veteran left in Mills County, died Monday, May 18, 1998 at his home at Caradan, Mills County Texas.

Faira Head was born January 30, 1897 in North Bennett Community, Mills County Texas. He was the second child of fifteen children born to Rev. Calvin Madison Head and Bulah Miles Head. His father, Rev. Head, started the Baptist Church at North Bennett. Faira's grandfather, J.B. Head was appointed the first judge of Mills County when it was organized in 1885 (NOTE: Mills County was formed in 1887) . J.B. had five sons who became the five Head families of Mills County.

After attending school for six years at Center City, Faira went to work. In July 1918, at the age of 21, he enlisted in the United States Marines. He was inducted into the Marines at Parris Island, South Caorolina.

While in the Marines, Mr. Head became a sharpshooter and his superior officers said he was excellent in all fields of military service. He served with the American Expeditionary Forces in France from September 30, 1918 to June 30, 1919. He was mustered out at Quantico, Birginia.

After returning to Caradan, Mr Head married Johnnie Reid, his childhood sweetheart, on November 6, 1920 at Middle Bennett Creek, Mills County, Texas. They were married for over 71 years before Johnnie died on January 5, 1992.

Mr. Head retired from ranching at age 84 after building fence for hire and also serving for a while as an oil field mechanic. He also ranched.

Faira was a long-time member of the Center City Baptist Church.

The couple had three sons, Elvin, who passed away in 1991, William Head of Walnut Springs, Texas and Ronnie Head and his wife, Breta of Goldthwaite.

Other survivors are six grandchildren, Rose Lee Wall, Sheila Anderson, Linda Crawford, Mary Head, Kathy Teague and Robert Head; a daughter-in-law, Rosie Head of San Angelo; one sister, Ozella Sparkman of Crawford; and one brother, Woodrow Head of Granbury.

The funeral was conducted Wednesday, May 20, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. at the Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home Chapel in Goldthwaite. Officiating at the final rites was Ray Ricker assisted by Bill Swindle.

Interment was in the Center City Cemetery, Mills County, Texas with a full military honor guard.

Serving as pallbearers were Carroll Bunting, Robert Head, Darrell Head, Johnny Head, Dwight Head and Wayne Wall.

Honorary pallbearer was Mark Rogers of Star.
Contributed by:
Lynda Miles, Member # 4707054