Frank August Higgins
Frank August Higgins, 94, of Beaumont, Texas died Sunday, November 3, 2024. He was born on July 1, 1930, in Riverside, California to Alma Victoria Segelquist and Cameron Austin Higgins.
Frank graduated from Cypress Fairbanks High School in 1949 where he was an outstanding athlete in all sports. He pitched a no hitter in a district baseball game to win the championship for Cypress Fairbanks. Frank met his high school sweetheart, Anna Lee Middleton, and they were married in 1952. They enjoyed 72 years of marriage and truly had a special love for each other that was evident to all who knew them.
Frank joined the Air Force and served his country during the Korean war. Frank began his rice farming career in the Chesterville and Eagle Lake area. He was one of those fortunate individuals that loved his vocation and enjoyed farming rice for more than 50 years. Frank served as President of the Eagle Lake Lion’s Club and a Board member of the Eagle Lake School Board. During his time on the board, he helped guide the district through the period of school integration and the consolidation of what is now known as Rice Consolidated Independent School District. Mr. Higgins was very involved in the First United Methodist Church in Eagle Lake where he was on various committees including being a Sunday School teacher for many years.
We will always remember Frank calling his three sons, Rick, Jerrol and Allan by their nicknames, “Dink, Squirrel, and Allan Lally”. We will miss his kind smile, his giving heart, and his gentle ways. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, granddad and great granddad leaving a huge imprint on the hearts of his loving family.
Survivors include his wife Anna Lee Higgins, children Richard Lee Higgins, Sr. of Austin, Jerrol Frank Higgins and wife Tammy of Graham, and Allan Haley Higgins and wife Lori of Beaumont, grandchildren Lee Higgins, Michael Higgins and wife Natalie, Brittany Higgins, Connor Higgins, Candice Winslow and husband Caleb, Dr. August Higgins, Haley Richardson and husband Austin, Clara Cowart and husband Brandon, great-grandchildren Hayden, Evie, Mason, Walker, Cameron, Autumn, Thomas, Peyton, and Paisley, siblings Harry Higgins and wife Glenda, JoAnn Turner, Michael Higgins and wife Jackie, and numerous extended family.
Frank is preceded in death by his parents and siblings LaRue Higgins, Stanley Higgins, Ernestine Collins, Johnny Higgins, and Bill Higgins.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, Texas 77087.
A gathering of Mr. Higgins’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 8, 2024, at Broussard’s 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A second gathering will begin at 10:00 a.m., with his funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, 200 West Prairie Avenue, Eagle Lake, with his interment to follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Eagle Lake.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- November 8, 2024
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Funeral Service
First United Methodist Church – Eagle Lake
- 200, West Prairie Avenue, Eagle Lake, Texas, 77434,
- November 9, 2024
- 11:00 am
Interment
Lakeside Cemetery
- Eagle Lake, Texas, 77434,
- November 9, 2024
Allan and Lori – you are in my thoughts and prayers. My sympathies to your family.
RIP Mr. Higgins. You were such a great man and nice person. You and your Family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I wish I could have been in Eagle Lake this morning to see all the Higgins family, hear the beautiful music and tell them how close Ed Causey Jr. and I (Hope Causey) felt to “Buddy” and Anna Lee.
As Anna Lee and I visited by phone these past few years, she would say to “Buddy”, “ this is Hope and then added “she and Edward are like family.”
He was “Buddy” to Ed ever since they were old enough to attend the one room Lissie School where Ed’s aunt Anna Mae Clipson was teacher. We have a school picture where tow-headed Buddy was in coveralls and bare-footed just like everyone else.
Buddy was a sweet, gentle soul, kind, smiling and his faith meant everything to him. I am so happy to think of him at peace now. I find it ironic to realize that Ed and I had 72 years of marriage and so did Buddy and Anna Lee.
I send my loving condolences to all of you.
Frank Higgins was our Uncle Buddy to 34 nieces and nephews in addition to great nieces and great nephews as well. He always smiled his wonderful smile. I spent many family holidays with Uncle Buddy and Aunt Anna Lee. We would travel to their house in Eagle Lake and they would journey to Alvin to Grandma Higgins’ house to spend time as a family. I always looked forward to seeing them. Many years have passed, but I still remember them as a loving part of my childhood memories I hold so dear and will treasure forever.
One of my fondest memories of Uncle Buddy was when Mike and I got married in October 1988. I had forgotten to take my going away dress to the church, so Mike and I had to drive back to Grandma Higgins’ house after we left our wedding so I could change. I remember walking into Grandma’s den still in my wedding dress and Mike in his tux, and there sat Uncle Buddy in the recliner in the middle of a bunch of my little cousins who were jumping and hopping all around him. He had been chosen as the designated babysitter while their parents had gone to my wedding. I remember this merry little band of children laughing loudly and playing all around the room having a great time with Uncle Buddy as their babysitter. He smiled his trademark smile that we all know and love while sitting in the middle of all of the children. I still see him in my mind’s eye to this day. He was a true gentleman with a kind and loving heart. Thank you God for giving our family Uncle Buddy. I know I speak for many in my family when I say “I Love You Uncle Buddy, and will miss you.” We will find comfort in knowing that we will all be together again in heaven someday and our family fellowship will continue. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Anna Lee, Ricky, Jerrol & Tammy, Allan & Lori, and your families. We love y’all very much.
I was lucky enough to have you for a neighbor twice in Eagle Lake, once as a child and again as an adult. Always enjoyed our fun talks and your sense of humor. You will be missed.
Love you!!
Frank was such a sweet soul! He will be loved & missed from his family @ Wesley Methodist Church.
Sorry for your loss. Your parents were our gain at Wesley. We loved Franks smile and his kindness. He was a man to be admired by all. You were blessed to call him dad. There is no question that he is smiling and waiting for your mom. What a blessed couple❤️🙏🏻❤️