Lary Gale Higgins

 

Lary Gale Higgins, age 79, of Rural Dade County, Missouri passed away in the early morning of August 12, 2023, with the love of his life by his side. Lary was born August 25, 1943 to Gale (Clarence) and Nellie Mae (Cones) Higgins. Lary was an only child but spent his childhood surrounded by his cousins. Hunting, fishing and causing mischief, the Higgins and Hagins boys had no shortage of adventures. Lary grew up on the farm and attended Lockwood High School playing and lettering in varsity football all four years. After graduation, Lary attended a technical school in Kansas City, studying to be a mechanic. While living in Kansas City through the week, Lary spent his weekends burning up the streets of Barton and Dade County in a variety of beautiful cars.
 
In December of 1966, he married Mary Elizabeth Wright in Springfield, Missouri and together they continued to burn up the roads between Kansas City and home, including a few drag races along the way. After settling back in Dade County, they welcomed two children, Mark Higgins and wife Patty of Miami, Oklahoma and Jalyn Lair and husband Jimmy of Callaway, Florida. Lary spent many years driving a big rig and enjoyed going on rides up until the week before his death when his health didn't allow it.
 
Lary's love of the outdoors led him into raising hunting dogs - bird dogs, coon hounds, beagles, and fox hounds became his passion. He spent many years running dogs and sitting around talking with RD, Floyd, and Travis. He was one of the last hugely talented dog guys. Raising his kids to be out hunting, fishing, and running hounds naturally transitioned to the grandkids. As his health started to decline, Lary spent less time with the hounds and more time with his family and grandkids. Blake, Briel and Christopher spent most of their summers fishing from the branch down the road from the farm or going with grandpa to eat and visiting Doo Dad's flea market in El Dorado Springs.

Larry never met a stranger and was surrounded by his friends that he would do anything for.
He was the type of man to give away all he had to someone in need and if someone was hungry, he always fed them. As a young adult, Lary's love of hunting attracted the attention of a young neighbor boy, Randy Cameron would spend the next 55 years as Lary's best friend and hunting / fishing companion.

In 2020, his one and only great grandchild was born. Zander brought an enormous amount of joy to Lary's life as his health continued to fail. In 2017, Lary gained an additional granddaughter through adoption and this one shared his birthday. Martina and Lary became quick partners in crime and enjoyed spending their birthday together causing trouble.

Lary was preceded in death by his father, Gale and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his wife of almost 57 years Mary, his mother, Nellie Mae, children, Mark (Patty) Higgins, Jalyn (Jimmy) Lair, grandchildren, Blake (Paige) Higgins, Briel (Kory) Higgins, Christopher (Madelynn) Lair, Martina Blessant, great grandchild, Zander Higgins, and best friend, Randy Cameron, Aunt Lorene Higgins and multiple cousins.
 
The family held a Celebration of Life from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at the Pink Infusion Studio in Lockwood, Missouri.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com