Jack Loy Higbee

Jack L. Higbee, 78 years of age, of Formoso, passed away Friday, March 9, 2012 at his farm in Formoso. He was born on January 20, 1934, on the family farm near Formoso, Kansas, to Harry and Gladys (Butler) Higbee.

Jack was a graduate of Formoso High School in 1952. He married Nancy Reed on August 9, 1959, at the Formoso Community Church, Formoso, Kansas. To this union three children were born: Michael Lynn, Jeannea Loy, and Christel Dawn. Jack served in the United States Army. He was a farmer and stockman, and early in their married life he collected barb wire and trade it at shows. Jack and his family have mowed the Balch Cemetery for over 37 years, and he served on the cemetery board for most of those years. He belong to the American Legion Post, Topeka, Kansas.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harry Donald; granddaughter, Kassidy; and son-in-law, Jeremie Nelson.

Jackie is survived by his wife - Nancy of the home; son - Michael Lynn Higbee of Scandia, Kansas; 2 daughters - Jeannea Loy Higbee of Scandia, Kansas, Christel Dawn Nelson of Courtland, Kansas; 4 granddaughters - MacCaela Nelson, Mabel Nelson, Cheyenne Nelson, Jackie Nelson; brother - Clifford and wife,(Aubee) Higbee of Newnan, Georgia and a host of other relatives and friends.

Jack was especially fond of his granddaughters. He would quite early to make it to MacCaela’s basketball games and was given credit for a boy’s win in Burr Oak one night. When going down the bleachers he bumped the light switches and made the gym dark. After the cool down and re-warming the lights, the Pike Valley boys came from behind to win. Jack worked hard at farming and his livestock. But he had time for a story or two, with friends, and family. He will be missed, and fondly remembered by all who took time to know him.

Jack L Higbee's celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle officiating. Lori Bonjour will be the organist, Pastor Thaddeus the soloist, and Aaron Turner will play the bagpipes. Casket bearers will be Lloyd Johnson, Sr., William “Bill” Logan, Doyle Reed, Carl Shrontz, Douglas Pair, and David Jensen. Honorary casket bearers will be: Delno Reed, Lloyd Johnson, Jr., Jim Dieckman, and Bob Dieckman. Interment will be in the Balch Cemetery, Formoso. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday, March 12, 2012, at the Melby Mortuary in Mankato. Memorials may be left to Balch Cemetery, Formoso, Kansas. Condolences may be left online at www.melbymortuary.com. Lunch will be served at the Formoso Fire Hall, by the Formoso Community. Melby Mortuary in Mankato in charge of arrangements.