Obituary of James Leon Higdon

Just 2 short months before his 100th birthday, James Leon Higdon “Flew Away” (as the song says) to join family and friends in Heaven.

Preceded in death by his loving wife of 76 years, Martha Lou Holt Higdon, son James Larry Higdon, daughter Wilma Dean Higdon, son-in-laws Lance Saidak and Art Butler, as well as his parents, siblings, cousins and numerous other loved ones,

Leon passed away on March 29, 2022. He is survived by children Leona Saidak, David Higdon (wife, Susan), Dee Butler, Mark Higdon, and many grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Leon is best remembered as a fierce defender of all things family and as a pillar of strength and ingenuity who could design, make and/or fix pretty much anything. He served in the U.S .Army in WWII, and worked in the airline industry for 39+ years. Starting his career as an airplane mechanic and retiring as an Airline Captain, Leon excelled in everything he attempted and made sure his 6 children had every educational advantage imaginable.

Father of 6 and Grandfather of 15, Leon was ever the instructor and role model for success. A work ethic that can only be imagined, he was physically and mentally strong and unbelievably determined to “fly right” at every opportunity and to do so without hesitation. Between Martha Lou’s Irish wit and charm and Leon’s herculean elbow grease, there was nothing they could not accomplish together. All who knew them are comforted with the knowledge that they are once again together.

Deeply respected and dearly loved, his phenomenal spirit will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. A life-long Mason and devoted Christian, he studied the Bible, prayed from his heart, and always worked hard to do the right thing — a truly good man. Ever the staunch and faithful leader of his family, many are amazingly Blessed to have called him “Dad.”