Robin Head, a veteran of the Vietnam War and resident of Marana, Arizona, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Robin was born on May 30, 1946, in El Paso, Texas, to Edgar and Sheila Head. He was the eldest of six children and attended Manzano High School before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1964. He retired in 1989 as a Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate after a distinguished military career. During his military service, Robin served in six campaigns in the Vietnam War. His duties in Vietnam included rescue diving, search and rescue, and cargo transfer. He spent much of his career at sea aboard various ships and retired as Command Master Chief of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After retiring from the Navy, Robin settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he worked as a rigging foreman/journeyman for Local Teamsters 631 for 17 years.
Robin married Karen Shultz on September 9, 1966, and together they built a loving home and raised two daughters. Robin was known for his sharp sense of humor and hilarious storytelling. It was not uncommon for his family to be gathered around laughing at an old childhood or Navy story of his. Of all the roles Robin held in life, the one he cherished most was being “Papa” to his six grandchildren. You could always count on him to be in the stands at their sporting events or important moments. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with them.
Robin enjoyed golfing and fishing in his spare time. In recent years, he coached the local high school golf team, finding great joy in giving back to the community through the sport he loved.
Robin is survived by his daughters, Lora Crowley (Ian) and Charleen Proper (Reuben); his beloved grandchildren, Blake Alegret-Proper (Hannah), Alexa Ponce, Molly Proper, Peyton Proper, Owen Proper, and Cera Crowley; and his great-granddaughter, Iris Alegret-Proper. He is also survived by his brothers, Andrew Head (Sue) and Samuel Head, his sister, Barbara Cardis (David), and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Karen Head; his parents, Edgar and Sheila Head; and his brothers, Zachary Head and Jonathan Head.
Robin will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Marana on August 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Marana High School Golf Team.
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 am
Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery Marana
Address:
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Post an EventOur sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
Lora and Charlie I am sorry to hear of the passing of your dad and loss it has created. Andy, Sam and Barbara Ann I feel for your loss too. The Head Family were always my second family growing up and some of my favorite early life memories. I am glad I was able to spend time with your brother when he moved to Las Vegas and get to know the man of so many stories I had heard about when I was younger. Nancy and I had great time with him and your mom on the many times we spent together. He and your mom will live on in our memories forever. Ted Robbin’s you will be missed (his name from a golf outing that went sideways). Ted was a hell of a golf and camping buddy. Chuck and Nancy
I had to say goodbye to a man who meant so much to so many of us. My brother-in-law wasn’t just family—he was my friend, my teacher, and someone I truly looked up to. He was one of those rare people who made an impression from the moment you met him. He had a way of making you feel welcome, like you were already part of the circle. There was always laughter when he was around—his sense of humor, his stories, and that easygoing charm that made everything feel a little lighter. But behind that smile was someone filled with wisdom and strength. He taught me a lot in life—not through lectures, but through how he lived. I remember the first time he took me out to the golf course. He showed me how to swing a golf club the right way, but more than that, he taught me that game, like life, doesn’t always go how you expect. But with the right mindset, you keep swinging. More importantly, he taught me kindness, and love. He led by example. Whether it was with his wife, his daughters, or anyone in his life, he showed care, protection, and deep appreciation. He wasn’t perfect—none of us are—but he was real. Honest. Loyal. And his heart was in the right place. I’m proud to say I knew him. Proud to call him family. And grateful beyond words for what he gave me—not just lessons in life, but memories I’ll carry with me forever. I’ll miss his voice, his laugh, his steady hand. But we’ll keep his legacy alive by living out what he taught me by staying kind, staying strong, and taking care of one another, just like he always did. Rest easy, my brother I love you..
A life well lived ! We extend our deepest sympathies to the entire family. The Howards, Todd, Sandy and Travis
You are with Karen and are free to trip the light fantastic. I will miss you, but I know that you and I will see each other again. I love you..
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.