Vernon Dale Higgins, 72, of Lohman, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born March 2, 1953, at Latham Hospital in California, MO, the son of the late Clarence “Gabby” and Virginia (White) Higgins. Vernon grew up in Centertown, MO.

Vernon attended Centertown Elementary School and was a 1971 graduate of California High School.

He was united in marriage on November 23, 1974, at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martins, MO to Nevelyn Gertrude Meller, officiated by Rev. Brendan Doyle.

Vernon began his working career by tending to the hogs on his family’s farm in Centertown, MO. He then worked for Apache Flats Sawmill, Farm Bureau Tire Distribution, Tharp Lumber / Meek’s Lumber & Roedel Janitorial Services. After leaving Roedel Janitorial, as a team, Vernon & Nev dedicated over 25 years of cleaning service to the Missouri Local Government Employee Retirement System (LAGERS). Finally, He began working beside his father-in-law on the Meller Century Farm raising cattle.

Vernon was always one to stay active. In his early years, he would coon hunt & fish with his dad, uncles and high school buddies. If you couldn’t find him in the woods, you could find him getting dirty on the ball diamond. He played in the Men’s Adult Baseball League with the Arther W. Ellis team.

Vernon then began playing men’s softball with several teams (The Jewel Shop, Popp’s, West Side Business, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Schulte’s IGA, Ott’s Landing & American Family Insurance). He also found time to play on some co-ed softball teams (Bob’s Standard & Shep’s Backwoods).

Vernon coached little league baseball and YMCA soccer. Vernon played in the St. Martins Washer League (St. Martins VFW) for over 20 years. His ability to pop the washer from inside the box and into the pipe became known as the “Vern Slop”. He captured several league championships. He was most proud of the fact that he won the JDRF benefit tournament 4 times. This gave him the opportunity to donate all his winnings back to the benefit.

Vernon was a dedicated and supportive husband and father. His greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his family.

Vernon had a big smile but an even bigger heart. That was more evident when he became a grandpa. He would stop whatever he was doing to spend time with his grandkids. It didn’t matter if it was teaching them something new on the farm, playing make-up, shooting pool, or just having a conversation, Vernon was totally involved.

Vernon was a faithful member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Russellville. He enjoyed sharing his plentiful harvest of his gardens with his church family. He loved to donate his homemade concord grape & apple-pear wine to church picnics and Fundraisers. If you were lucky enough, he’d pull out some of his apricot wine for sampling.

Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Nev Higgins; three children, Chris (Tracy) Higgins, Jefferson City; Shawn Higgins, Lohman; Cayce (fiancé Chris McNail) Higgins, Eldon; four grandchildren, Landen Higgins, Kennadie Higgins, Gage Higgins-McNail, Aleea Higgins; step-grandchild, Logan McNail; brother, Mike (Diana) George; and numerous other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joe George; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pat and Rita Meller.

Thank you to the MU Ellis Fischel team, Compassus Hospice Care team and all the many family and friends that have been there for Vernon and ourselves during these 2 year & 9-month courageous battles.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 29, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Russellville with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 30, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church with Rev. Jason T. Doke officiating.

Burial will be in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Michael Church Building Fund or American Cancer Society or Compassus Hospice Care

Trimble Funeral Homes – Russellville is in charge of the arrangements. trimblefunerals.com