of Mountain Home, AR
February 1, 1933 - April 23, 2024
Ernest "Bud" Higgins Jr., a devoted husband, loving father, esteemed educator and proud United States Army Veteran, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at the age of 91. He departed this life surrounded by the warmth of his cherished family at his home in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Bud was born on February 1, 1933 in Canton, Illinois to the late Ernest Nelson Higgins Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Gustine) Higgins. A patriot at heart, Bud served his country with honor during the Korean War as a member of the United States Army. Following his military service, he pursued higher education, graduating with a Masters in Education from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.
Dedicating his life to the noble profession of teaching, Bud inspired countless minds throughout his illustrious 55-year career. For four decades, he imparted knowledge and wisdom as a math teacher in Wisconsin before continuing his educational journey for another 15 years in Arkansas. Bud's passion for education extended beyond the confines of the classroom, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of his students and colleagues alike.
A faithful member of the United Methodist Church in Norfork, Arkansas, Bud found solace and community in his religious faith. He lived his life guided by principles of kindness, compassion and unwavering devotion to his loved ones.
Bud's legacy of love and dedication lives on through his beloved wife of 70 years, Margaret Ann Higgins; his sons, Bryan Paul Higgins and Michael Aren Higgins; his brother, Daniel Edward Higgins; his sister, Alice Jane Lawson and a multitude of cherished relatives and friends. Though he has left this earthly realm, Bud's memory will forever remain etched in the hearts of all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Bud is preceded in death by his infant child, Scott Charles Higgins, whose memory he carried with him throughout his life's journey.
A Celebration of Life honoring Bud's remarkable legacy will be held at a later date, allowing family and friends to come together in remembrance and gratitude for a life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to [[][[]][[][[]]]charitable organization] in honor of Bud's passion for education and service to others.
May the light of Bud's spirit continue to shine brightly, illuminating the lives of those he touched with his kindness and wisdom. Though he may be gone from our sight, his presence will forever be felt in the countless lives he enriched along his extraordinary journey.
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31 Condolence(s)
Victoria ZEZULKA
Monday, July 29, 2024
My condolences Maggie!
Candy Lee
Friday, July 12, 2024
My Deepest Sympathy for your family. He was a wonderful teacher. Had him for two years at THS. Blessings.
Dan Doucette
Thursday, July 11, 2024
From a Tomahawk, Wisconsin student who was lucky enough to have Mr Higgins back in 1970 for HS Geometry!!!! Bud and his wife also took care of our foreign exchange (Raymundo) student who became one of my best friends from the Philippines. He also was a strong supporter of our High School wrestling team back in the early days. We will definitely miss that man.
ron Zimmerman
Thursday, July 11, 2024
I just learned today of Bud's passing. Bud, Bob, and I had some wonderful times together teaching in Tomahawk, playing cards at each others homes and of course our Green Lake trips where Bud and I did everything we could think of to Bob. He was a great friend to a young teacher.
Linda Buchanan Wakefield
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Mr. Higgins was a great teacher. My condolences to the family, sending prayers for everyone!
David Schultz
Thursday, July 11, 2024
My deepest condolences to Maggie, Brian, Mike and the other family members. Bud was a large impact in my life who guided me to working in the Computer Science field where I am still employed. I remember many conversations we had, his sense of humor and his caring ways. Years after I graduated, I wanted to make a butter churn and I just couldn’t get the angles right. I called him for help and he walked me through the trigonometry to achieve the perfect churn. We laughed and caught up a bit. That is an example of his giving nature. Rest in peace my friend…save me a spot in the “cloud”!
Tom & Annie (Mueller) Arnott
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Tom and I are both Tomahawk Grads. We both had Mr. Higgins He was a great Teacher and caring gentleman. Many great memories
Sending our deepest condolences.
The Arnott’s
Erv Bruesewitz
Thursday, July 11, 2024
So Sorry for your loss !! Bud was one of my favorite teachers growing up in Tomahawk, !! Will be deeply missed,,,,
Joan Hurtis
Thursday, July 11, 2024
I'm so sorry to learn of Mr. Higgins' passing. I think of him often, as he was one of the best teachers I ever had in school, and one of my favorites. He was just an all-around wonderful educator, and over the years I have remembered many of the things he taught me. He will be missed by many, many, many people, I'm sure. Thanks you, Mr. Higgins, for everything you did over the years for your students. My sincere condolences.
Roni Myers Chiolino
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Mr. Higgins was such a kind, patient teacher. He was always ready to help me if I struggled (which I did!) My prayers to his family, Fly High Mr. Higgins.
David Schultz
Thursday, July 11, 2024
My deepest condolences to Maggie, Brian, Mike and the other family members. Bud was a large impact in my life who guided me to working in the Computer Science field where I am still employed. I remember many conversations we had, his sense of humor and his caring ways. Years after I graduated, I wanted to make a butter churn and I just couldn’t get the angles right. I called him for help and he walked me through the trigonometry to achieve the perfect churn. We laughed and caught up a bit. That is an example of his giving nature. Rest in peace my friend…save me a spot in the “cloud”!
Shelly Hudspeth
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Doc was one-of-kind and a supporter of every one of us who pursued education. He strengthened me when I was new...and I am forever grateful that he saw something in me. Thanks, Doc, for pushing me onward!
Doris Schliem
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Maggie, Sending my deepest sympathy to you and the boys.
Barbara Gillaspie
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Dear Maggie, I just got curious and looked up Bud to find he had just passed. Brad passed three years ago on Dec first and Dale Schliem passed the April before him we all remember you fondly up here and tried looking you up but we could never find you. Dick is ninety and still going, just not as fast as he used to. Wish we could have had one last pinochle game. My thoughts are with you dear, we know how hard it is at this time. You were lucky to have him for seventy years, Brad and I had 54. Take care of yourself, it will get better.
Rebecca Cooper
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Sending so much love to the family. I always loved seeing Mr. Higgins at the bank.
Brian Higgins
Friday, April 26, 2024
My father was (is) an incredible human being. He positively impacted THOUSANDS of lives throughout his life. I am so thankful for so many proud, beautiful memories of him through the years. If only we could all live, and pass, as gracefully as him. I am SO PROUD of you Dad. I miss you and love you so much....
Pam and Frank Fischer
Friday, April 26, 2024
Bud gave us a quick lesson in generosity shortly after we moved to Arkansas. He, along with others at the Norfork Methodist Church,showed our family kindness we had not experienced before..
Bud’s gift of teaching math to our 2 son’s certainly contributed to their successes and help shape them into the good men they have become.
This community lost a gem.
Michelle Davis
Friday, April 26, 2024
Mr. Higgins was a wonderful teacher! He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have been blessed to know him.
Kathy Hutchens
Friday, April 26, 2024
Prayers for you Maggie and the rest of the family I sure do love you and Mr. Higgins. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. What a special person he was.
Stacy Havner
Friday, April 26, 2024
Mr. Higgins had so much love for education and every single student that passed through his door. I will miss his redhead jokes and that smile that he always wore. Much love, Doc. See you around the bend.
Heather Cox
Friday, April 26, 2024
My condolences to the family and friends. Mr. Higgins was a kind soul that dedicated his time n knowledge to Norfork students for many yrs. He always had a smile n kind word to all.
He will be missed
Scott Washburn
Friday, April 26, 2024
Mr. Higgins was an amazing person. He truly loved to teach. The lives this man has touched will forever be impacted. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Brittany Tumey
Friday, April 26, 2024
Thank you for all the memories, the continously growing passion for rocks and all the compassion you've show to everyone you've encountered in life.
Your memory will be remembered forever.
Alice (Higgins) Lawson
Thursday, April 25, 2024
My condolences to dear Maggie. I will talk with you soon.
Mike and Sherri Seay
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Mr. Higgins was a wonderful person and an excellent educator. So sorry for your loss.
Cecilia Watson
Thursday, April 25, 2024
So sorry to hear of Ernest’s passing. From the few years that I knew him, I saw that he had a sweet spirit and great love for life. I have a piece of quartz he gave me that I cherish. Prayers for his loved ones.
Mike watts
Thursday, April 25, 2024
This was a Great man, he loved his students and had a major impact on their lives as well as those of us who knew and loved him. Thank you MR. Higgins.
Chris Dobson
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
I am so sorry so your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Chris
Jamie “Spatafora” Wahl
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Mr Higgins was my HS math teacher. I’ve often told the story that if it hadn’t been for him I’d still be in school trying to pass Algebra. To say he was 1 of a kind is an understatement. I’m so blessed to have had him as a teacher. My love, thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Debbie (Higgins) Hessler
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
My condolences to Maggie. May she find peace in the memories.
Mike Seay
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Doc will be missed by a community that loved him for his kindness and dedication