Virgil “Buck” Higgins, age 95, passed away November 10, 2020 at Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City, Montana.
Virgil was born April 28, 1925 in Ismay, Montana, the 10th of 13 children, to John and Jessie (Mason) Higgins. As a young man, Buck worked as a sheepherder for the Hopkins Ranch following in the footsteps of two of his older brothers. He attended school in Ismay, Montana. While attending high school, he worked for George Askin Well Drilling. Before he graduated high school, he felt the call to join two older brothers in the fight against Hitler in WWII. On August 5, 1943, he heeded that call and joined the United States Air Force, in which he became a tail gunner on a B017 Flying Fortress. He flew 33 missions over Continental Europe before he was honorably discharged October 3, 1945.
On his return home, he went back to work for George Askins Well Drilling. Later, he went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad, where he worked until he retired.
On January 26, 1946 he married Eunice Lillian Kreager with whom many letters were exchanged while he was in Europe. To this union four children were born: Raymond Virgil, Loren Laverne, Clayton Roy and Denise Inez.
Virgil loved flying and owned two airplanes. He and Eunice went to many air shows. He also enjoyed working in his shop rebuilding tractors and pickups. Virgil always had a hobby farm where he milked cows and raised bum calves. He also raised his own bacon and eggs. Virgil loved a good fresh breakfast.
Virgil was an avid reader and loved music. He was known for whistling or singing everywhere he went. The easiest way to find him was to follow the sound of his voice. One of his favorite songs, “It’s Hard to Be Humble”, could be heard daily.
Virgil loved his family. He is survived by his son Loren Higgins, Helen, MT; daughter Denise (Dan) Pierce, Miles City, MT; six grandchildren: Christina Beach, Coree Walker, Dane Higgins, Jessica Lynch, Billie Sozanski and Mariah Hicks; fourteen great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, 12 brothers and sisters; his wives Eunice and Ida; two sons and three grandchildren.
We will be having a military funeral, April 30, 2021.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
11:00 AM
Friday April 30, 2021
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
11:00 AM
Friday April 30, 2021
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Erin L says
RIP Buck. Sure going to miss you.
Mike & Myrna Higgins says
love and sympathy to all the family of Uncle Buck…will miss this great guy and all the memories he shared with us of his life and his time during WWII Mike and Myrna Higgins
Tauneah says
I extend my deepest sympathies to the Higgins Family. Although I was never afforded the opportunity to meet Grandpa Buck, I have meet many of his loved ones over the years. They are all testaments of his love, hard work and values.
I send extra love to his son “Dad Loren” and his granddaughter Billie and her family (his great grandchildren, Avery & Ashton) whom I have come to love as gifted family, own over the years.
Keeping all loved ones in prayer and thought. May God’s love bring you peace. May your memories and love of family and friends bring you comfort.
~Tauneah Wilson of NJ
Emma J. Wegner says
Love and prayers at the loss of your Dad, Loren. He was great mad especially when he brought you to our home at Thurlow because I had thrown a snow ball at you and hit you in the head. No rock was in it, but we both got our butt’s beat for it. Bruce and Emma
Gloria Schmidt says
My mother, Joyce Higgins Schmidt, always spoke so fondly of her brother Buck. Thinking of you and much love to you and your families.
Gloria Schmidt
Phoenix, AZ
John Reamy says
As a brother-in-law, and partner to Floyd Higgins, I knew and was around Buck and his extended family often. Over the years many WWII and well drilling stories were swapped with Buck and his brothers. So sad to see the last of his immediate family gone. My condolences to those he left.
Harriet Jansen says
Knew your parents when you lived at Thurlow and your Dad worked for the railroad. That was many years ago. I was one of those Morton Girls. Sending Sincere Sympathy.
Elisha Marmon says
I had the pleasure of helping care for Buck. He absolutely loved feeding the squirrels and birds. I got to help him feed them and on the really bad days I’d do it for him. He was such an amazing man and always whistling some tune. He made my mornings with him better. I’ll miss you Buck.
Kim Berry says
I remember going to the Texaco in Ryegate when your Dad was working there. He would always get us a soda. I also remember him whistling. Loved your Dad!