Carl Higeons

Carl Leroy Higeons came into this world with a great celebration! Born on the 4th of July 1918 in Talala, Oklahoma, Carl was the first child to bless the home of Clyde Rosville and Lola Claris Bray Higeons and the first grandchild of Dora Bray Paullus. World War I was about to end, horse and buggy was the most common means of transportation, and the best way to communicate was still the written letter. Carl became the leader of nine siblings, worked on the family farm, and attended and graduated from Talala High School.

In 1940, Carl married a sweet young lady, Violet Marie Morris, he met at a 4th of July celebration, and they shared 68 years together. Their family grew with the birth of their three children, Carl Leroy, Jr, Janet Marie, and Jerald Leon. Most of Carl’s working career was spent in the aircraft industry as a machinist but helping his brothers in the hayfield was always a summer priority. He worked for Douglas, Northrop, and Spartan for ten years collectively before hiring into American Airlines, retiring in 1982 after 32 years. He spoke often of the importance of a good, dependable work ethic and always taking time to help others. Carl’s life certainly reflected his own words of wisdom. He lived a life of service – always there when someone needed him, whether family, friend or stranger. Blessed with the ability to master any problem, Carl was known as the neighborhood handyman. Raised on a farm, he learned how to make do from scratch. He could build it, fix it, stretch it or invent it. He loved tinkering in his shop with mechanics and repurposing things. Much of his work was at the master craftsman level in mechanics, woodworking, welding, electrical and metal working.

The Centenarians of Oklahoma honored Carl on his birthday this year by inducting him into their Hall of Fame. He lived his last few years at Oxford Glen in Owasso where he made lots of friends among the residents and staff. When the staff asked Carl his secret to a long life, he replied, ‘exercise and surround yourself with good people.’

On Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at the age of 102, Carl passed away at a local hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Lola Higeons, wife, Violet Higeons, son, Jerald Higeons, granddaughter, Marie Ingmire Barlow, and three brothers, Edgar, Robert and Chester Higeons. Following his granddaughter’s funeral, Carl talked of his love for Marie and how he looked forward to seeing her someday in heaven. He spoke of how he trusted Jesus for his salvation and was certain he would see her again.

Carl is survived by his son, Carl Leroy, Jr. and his wife, Marilyn, of Talala, daughter, Janet Marie Higeons Hendricks and her husband, Roy Hendricks, of Owasso, five grandchildren, Dr. Thomas Ingmire and his wife, Kim, of Edmond, Kevin Higeons of Talala, Leisa Yount of Talala, and Jason Higeons of Tulsa, seven great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. Surviving siblings include three sisters, Mary Killion, Clementine Myers, and Helen Peacock, and three brothers, Jim, Bill, and Joe Higeons. A whole wad of nieces and nephews call him, ‘Uncle.’

Carl Higeons - father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend - will be greatly missed. Helping hands, creative mind, loving heart.

Funeral Service for Carl Higeons will be held, 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at the First Baptist Church of Talala with Pastor Lester Oswig officiating. Services are under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service of Nowata. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com or see our Facebook page.