Billy Joe Higdon

Billy served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a master sergeant. He served for 20 years and was active in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He played basketball while in the U.S. Air Force and was known as “Shanks”. He also voluntarily coached little league baseball and basketball while in the military. Billy grew up in Seminole and graduated from Seminole Public Schools. After retiring from the military he later received his Master’s Degree in Education from, East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.  Billy was a school teacher and coach. He coached basketball and baseball.  He taught in Calvin and Maud school systems. He was also a well know referee throughout the state of Oklahoma and was known as "Coach" by many. Billy was a member of the Church of Christ, Elks Lodge # 2516 and served as secretary, and the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association. Billy married Anna Marie (Hollingshead) Higdon on July 12, 1953 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Billy is survived by his wife of 63 years Anna Marie Higdon of Seminole, Oklahoma, two sons, Don Higdon and his wife Tracy of Arkansas, and Tom Higdon and his wife Karen of Arkansas, one daughter, Mona Reeves and her husband Mark of Konawa, Oklahoma, one sister, Margie Tull of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Billy was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, who loved his family dearly. Some of his favorite hobbies included: Camping, following his grandchildren in sports and other activities, and researching his family tree. He will be missed by all. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, May 16, 2016 at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole. Mr. Higdon will receive full military honors at the service. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: May 16, 2016, 11:00 AM Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel located at 1001 N. Milt Phillips Ave., Seminole, OK 74868