John Byron Head

John Byron Head, loving, kind, and patient man, peacefully passed away in his sleep on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at his home in Moberly, Missouri. He was 74 years old. 

Born on September 27, 1950, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Francis and Barbara Leonard Head. A graduate of Klondike High School in 1968, he dedicated over 44 years of his career as a system installer at Norfolk and Western/Southern Railroad, earning respect and admiration in his work and community. 

On April 4, 1970, he married the love of his life, Tara Hanley, in Lafayette, Indiana. John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose greatest JOY was being with his family. John exemplified faith and family throughout his life. He found his full expression when surrounded by his loved ones, whether at family gatherings, cheering on his grandchildren during sports activities, or relaxing at their lake home on Holiday Acres Lake. 

A man of few words but great wisdom, John was well respected when he spoke. His quiet strength, gentle guidance, and unwavering faith made him a pillar of his family and church community. An active member of Family Life Fellowship Church in Moberly, Missouri, John’s faith was the foundation of his life, inspiring those around him. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Barbara Head.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Tara Head, of Moberly; children, Shawn (Chris) Botkins, of Huntsville, Missouri, Craig (Jill) Head, of Columbia, Missouri, Scott (Leslie) Head, of Moberly, Ryan (Amy) Head, of Cairo, Missouri, and Kirstan (Todd) Powers, of Erie, Pennsylvania; siblings, George Head, Peggy Head, Tom Head, Bill Head and Janet Urling. John’s legacy continues through his 11 grandchildren—Tanner and Braedan (Taylar) Wetrich, Brennan, Cael and Brooks Head, Connor and Kendall Head, Logan and Carter Head, Brady and Brooke Powers, as well as his great-grandson, Crew Wetrich, his “Great One”. 

A funeral service celebrating John’s life is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Pathway Millard Family Funeral Chapel in Moberly, Missouri. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by a celebration of life service at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Family Life Fellowship, 1410 US-24, Moberly, MO 65270, in John’s memory. 

John lived a life rooted in faith, guided by love for God and others. His trust in the Lord was evident in both word and deed, providing a quiet strength to all who knew him. While we grieve his passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Christ. As it is written in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” May John rest in the eternal peace of God’s presence.

Local arrangements are under the direction of Pathway-Millard Family Funeral Chapel, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, MO 65270 (660)263-7284. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.