He was just a farm boy from northern Missouri. A recent high school graduate defending his country by serving in the Navy. On December 7th, 1941 Seaman Second Class Harold Lloyd Head would become a victim in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Head was serving on the USS Oklahoma when it suffered multiple torpedo hits and capsized, killing 429 Sailors and Marines, including Head.
It took years to locate their remains and most were buried as “Unknown”. In 2015 permission was received to exhume the graves for possible identification.
On September 26, 2017 a report was issued and Seaman Harold Loyd Head’s remains were identified.
On October 10th, on what would be his 97th birthday, his remains will return to his hometown under full formal procession from Parkville with the Patriot guards, Highway Patrol and other Veterans Organizations.
The Chillicothe Fire Department and others will pay tribute as the procession passes down the road.
Laclede Mayor Larry Smith says it is an honor to be a part of laying Mr Head to rest.
The procession leaves Parkville at 10:30am and is expected to arrive in Laclede around 1:00pm. Mayor Smith says the town is preparing for a large attendance of people.
Mr Head will be laid to rest with full military honors conducted under the auspices of the United States Navy.
