John "Buddy" Higuera

1940 - 2015

John "Buddy" Higuera obituary, 1940-2015, Hanford, CA

John "Buddy" Higuera

1940 - 2015

BORN

1940

DIED

2015

John Higuera Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 30, 2015.
John Richard "Buddy'" Higuera, 74, of Hanford, CA, died on Saturday, March 28, 2015. John was born in Yuma, AZ on December 7, 1940, son of the late Ignacio and Mary Higuera.
John grew up in Yuma, Arizona and shortly after graduating from Yuma High School, he enlisted in the US Air Force in February of 1960. He served honorably for 30 years and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He retired from the Air Force in February of 1990 after achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and logged over 8,400 hours of aircrew time which included over 700 combat hours in Vietnam. Always seeking adventure, John was able to travel the world and especially enjoyed his overseas assignments to the Philippines and Germany. After his retirement from the Air Force, John worked as a Real Estate agent in Sacramento, California and Hanford, California.
John married his wife, Fely Higuera, in 1969 at Clark AFB in the Philippines. They were happily married for 46 years. Together they enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends. John also managed to always find the time for a cold beer and a BBQ.
John was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Eloise Wise of Yuma, Arizona and Margaret McNamara, of San Diego, California. He is survived by his spouse, Fely, of Hanford, California, his son Tim of Sacramento, California, his son Stephen of San Diego, California, his daughter Sonia Cervantes of Sacramento, California, his daughter Angie Higuera, of Las Vegas, Nevada, his sisters Maryann Heald, of Turlock, California, Ida Valdez of Mesa, Arizona, and Pauline Murphy of Mesa, Arizona, and his brothers, Hank Higuera of San Diego, California, Paul Higuera, of Yuma, Arizona, and Pat Higuera, of Mesa, Arizona. He is also survived by his 14 grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at People's Funeral Chapel 501 N Douty St. Hanford, CA from 4-7pm. A memorial service will be held at People's Funeral Chapel 501 N Douty St. Hanford, CA at 9am. Burial will follow at Hanford Cemetery 10500 S 10th Ave Hanford, Ca 93230.

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August 7, 2015

Pam Drapala posted to the memorial.

April 6, 2015

Rick Hallinan posted to the memorial.

April 3, 2015

Patrick Higuera posted to the memorial.

Pam Drapala

August 7, 2015

Cousin Buddy, I continue to pray for you every night before I go to bed. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. With much love, your cousin, Pamela Carvajal Drapala

Rick Hallinan

April 6, 2015

Just learned of Chief's passing. Served with/for John with the 2nd Aerovac Squadron in Germany. I have so many fond memories of his wonderful wit, crooked smile, and can-do attitude. I hope I get to enjoy life half as much as him. I know I will never make the positive impact to so many people's lives as he has. He is a good man - and he will be missed. Salute - CMSgt Higuera!

Patrick Higuera

April 3, 2015

To the family of my brother "Buddy". I greave with you as you lay him to rest. I celebrate with you as you are relieved of his suffering. He was a very good brother who I loved. We often share books and discussed family accomplishment. I will miss him but I am happy that he no longer hurts. Finally pain free an in a much better place.

April 2, 2015

RIP, John! God bless! Condolence to Fely and family... Dennis and Angie Jorgensen, Hanford, CA

Frank Spencer

April 1, 2015

A true family man in every thought and deed. My prayers are with the family. I was fortunate enough to have worked with John at Auto West Dodge for nearly 7 years. He taught me a lot. He enjoyed a good story...and a few bad ones and was always ready with a big smile and a helping hand. Stephen, I know he rode with you during each and every take off and landing throughout your career....so in some ways your Dad had two military careers, one in the USAF and one in the USN. I will miss his daily emails, they always brought a grin to this old man.

Mandy Brooks

April 1, 2015

A great heroic family man, that I was lucky to call uncle. You will be well missed Uncle Buddy.

April 1, 2015

I'm going to miss you John.

Allen Atkinson

Martin Barye Garcia

April 1, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chief John Higuera. He was a friend and role model to me during my time in the United States Air Force. He touched the lives of many many airmen and officers during his outstanding career. God give him rest and peace upon your presence.

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People's Funeral Chapel

501 North Douty Street, Hanford, CA 93230

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Sign John Higuera's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 7, 2015

Pam Drapala posted to the memorial.

April 6, 2015

Rick Hallinan posted to the memorial.

April 3, 2015

Patrick Higuera posted to the memorial.