Eugene "Gene" Russell Higbee, 95, of Mexico, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital in Columbia.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 22, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Mexico. Rev. Eric Mattson will be officiating the service.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 22, from 10 A.M. until time of services at the United Methodist Church in Mexico.

Mr. Higbee was born on September 9, 1928 in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Claude and Emily (Sterba) Higbee.  On June 11, 1950 he married Marjorie Ahmid in Mexico, who preceded him in death on October 21, 2019.

Gene served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  He was a tank driver stationed in Germany.  As a younger man, Gene enjoyed spending his free time golfing and participating in bowling leagues.  As he grew older, he spent time tending to his garden, growing tomatoes, and doing woodworking projects that often included refinishing furniture.  Gene also enjoyed antiquing with Marjorie, especially for depression glass.  Gene and Marjorie liked to gather with friends and play bridge.  He also relaxed by reading old western books.  Gene enjoyed traveling and family vacations.  The apple of his eye was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he would spoil every chance he got.

Survivors include one son, Randy (Laura) Higbee of Lee's Summit; one daughter, Teresa Carner of Rogers, AR; four grandchildren, Blaine Higbee of Overland Park, KS, Scott (Shannon) Carner of Carlsbad, CA, Patrick (Kristin) Carner of Rogers, AR, Kelly (Andrew) Farmer of Springdale, AR; five great-grandchildren, Zackary Carner, McKenna Carner, Noelle Carner, Jacqueline Carner and Constance Carner; one sister, Edith Selby of Columbia.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Higbee; parents, Claude and Emily Higbee; two brothers, Donald Higbee and Claude Higbee; two sisters, Charlotte Davis and Carol Craig.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the United Methodist Church of Mexico. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.

Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com