Estel Vernon Higgins

Estel Vernon Higgins of Cuba, Missouri was born on January 1, 1918 at Oak Hill, Missouri to the union of Guy and Edith (nee: Tyree) Higgins and left from this life on December 21, 2007 at Steelville, Missouri at the age of 89 years 11 months and 20 days. Vernon was united in marriage to Marie Helen Nichols on April 4, 1942 at Leasburg, Missouri and to this union one daughter was born Patsy. Vernon served in the US Navy during WWII. He served from March of 1942 until September of 1945 as a Chief Electrician's Mate. While serving in the Navy, Vernon attended Purdue University, were he received his electrical training. After the Navy Vernon and Marie moved back to Crawford County were Vernon worked for the family business Higgins Electric until he became employed by Crawford Electric. From 1952 until 1966 Vernon worked for Central Electric in Chamois and Jeff City, Missouri as the Plant supervisor. In 1966 they moved to northern California were Vernon worked for the Plascer Company Water Agency which is a hydro-electric power plant, as the supervisor. After retiring in 1979 they moved to Sullivan, Missouri were Vernon owned and operated a small engine repair, refrigeration and air conditioning repair business and helped with the Sullivan Airport electrical programs. During the time they lived in Sullivan, Vernon took a one year course at East Central in Refrigeration Air Conditioning Repair. He graduated with a 4.0 at the age of 69. After retiring from this business in 1996 they moved to Cuba, Missouri. Vernon was a member of the ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio for 60 plus years. He was a member of the Faith Assembly of God Church in Sullivan since 1996 were he had been a Sunday school teacher and deacon. Vernon was a loving son, husband, father, father in law, brother, brother in law, uncle, cousin and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Vernon is preceded in death by his parents Guy and Edith Higgins, one brother Wayne Higgins, one brother in law Harry Hoover, and other relatives and friends. Those who are left to treasure his memory and to celebrate a life lived is his loving wife of 65 years Marie Higgins of the home, one daughter Patsy J. and husband Henry Copling of Cuba, Missouri, two brothers; Leland and wife Helen Higgins of Leasburg, Missouri and Darrell and wife Betty Higgins of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, one sister Deloris Hoover of Sullivan, Missouri, one sister in law Jean Higgins of Ellisville, Missouri and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many friends. Visitation Saturday, December 22nd from 6 till 8 PM at Britton Funeral Home of Cuba. Funeral Service 3 PM Sunday, December 23rd at Faith Assembly of God Church, 310 E. Springfield, Sullivan, Missouri with Henry Copling and Tom Snavely officiating. Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society in Vernon's memory. The Britton Funeral Home of Cuba is honored to be serving the Higgins family.