Gene Higgins, age 80, passed away Monday, September 23, 2024, at his home in East Prairie, MO.  He was born February 19, 1944, in Paducah, KY, to the late Lawson Higgins and Opal Garrett Higgins.  Gene was a farmer his entire life as well as an exceptional welder.  He was a member of Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ in East Prairie.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter and took great pride in his vegetable gardens.

On  October 10, 1963, in East Prairie, he married Kay Higgins, who survives of the home.

In addition to his wife, survivors include three sons, Kenneth (Mindi) Higgins of Fruitland, MO, Tony (Lori) Higgins of Nevada, and Harold Higgins of Charleston; two daughters, Lynn (Alex) Sanchez of Bertrand and Tammy Peterson of Matthews; one brother, Norman Higgins of South Carolina; and three sisters, Mary Grey, Dianne Oakley, and Carolyn Ivie, all of Missouri.  Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Gene was preceded in death by two brothers, J.D. Matheney and Darwin Richard Baker; two sisters, Georgia Carter and Faye Higgins; and 2 grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 25, 2024, beginning at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, September 26, at 11 a.m. in the Shelby Chapel, with Bro. Peter Vent officiating.

Interment will follow in East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jon Higgins, Timmy Higgins, Daelen Loomis, Nathaniel Higgins, Stephen Martinez, and Brian Higgins.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rebecca Higgins, Melinda Higgins, and Melissa Higgins.