Dwight Deon Higgins

Dwight Deon Higgins, born March 19, 1935, in Wheeler County, Texas, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Manor Park in Midland, Texas.

Dwight was the beloved son of Clint Higgins and Inez (Miller) Higgins. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, JoAnn (Seaquest) Higgins; his sister Patricia Moore; and his loving family, including his daughter Katie (Monte) Sullivan, granddaughter Devyn (Michael) Castillo, and great-grandchildren Jaidon, Lily, Avril, and Maverick; grandson Lane (Briana) Sullivan, and great-granddaughters Maddyx and Maisyn; and his son John (Mandi) Higgins, with grandchildren Colton and Grant.

A lifelong horseman and accomplished roper, Dwight’s love for horses began early in life and accompanied him throughout his years. This passion led him to Alpine, Texas, where he attended Sul Ross University, traveling with his horse in tow. While at Sul Ross, Dwight was one of the Cowboys from South Dakota who descended to Alpine. This accomplished group included the likes of Larry O’Neill, Don (Duck) Thorson, Jeff Smith, Jim Bausch, Darrell Hackens, Don Smith, Keith Bowman, Russell Johnson, Willie Cowan, Jim Aplan, Andy Michael, Dean Reeves, and his own brother, Richard Higgins. Talk about an established group of cowboys!

Dwight earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics, which launched a fulfilling teaching career. He began teaching in Grandview, Idaho, where he met the love of his life, JoAnn Seaquest. The couple married on July 17, 1961, and embarked on a 63-year journey of love, partnership, and devotion.

In 1970, Dwight and JoAnn moved to Missouri, where he taught at Gallatin High School before settling in Mercer, Missouri. While in Missouri, Dwight worked hard teaching and equally hard raising cattle. For Dwight, the end of a school day was followed by chores around the farm, dinner, and then on to grading papers. Something always needed attention, and he was just the person for the task.

In 1984, the family relocated to Whiteface, Texas, where Dwight continued inspiring high school students with his passion for mathematics. After returning to Coffey, Missouri, in 1998, Dwight taught for another five years before retiring in 2003.

In 2012, Dwight and JoAnn returned to Texas, settling in Throckmorton, where they enjoyed their later years.

Dwight will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to education and his dedication to his students. Known for his belief that every student had the potential to excel, Dwight would arrive early and stay late to ensure anyone willing to learn could succeed.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Dwight’s legacy is one of love, hard work, and kindness. His passion for helping others, his love for horses, and his steadfast devotion to his wife, JoAnn, will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

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