Larry Edwin Higgs

The world lost a great storyteller, jokester, and all-around tough guy when Larry Edwin Higgs passed away peacefully March 18, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in El Reno, Oklahoma, March 21,1943, he spent his life proving that a good sense of humor, a little stubbornness, and deep love for mischief could take you far.

Larry was the son of George and Edna (Helton) Higgs, and the grandson of Charles and Nettie Higgs, as well as Charles and Rebecca Helton. He started his education at Rose Witcher Elementary in El Reno, Oklahoma before moving to Midwest City, and later graduating from Crooked Oak High School where he played football, basketball, and ran track.

In 1959, he met Wailene, the woman who would go on to enjoy his antics for over 60 loving years. They married on June 17, 1962, and built a life together, raising two wonderful children, Larry Charles and Rebecca Ann.

Larry proudly served in the military from 1961-1965 in the 310th Engineer Squadron and 550th Missile Squadron. He boxed, wrestled, and was active in many sports during his time in the military. He later worked for Tinker Air Force base from 1965-1988, specializing in electronics and eventually working for B-52 bomber Quality assurance & Egress Systems. He retired after 27 years of service.

Larry loved to stay busy, even after retirement, and held more jobs than most people have hobbies. When he was not working, he was really busy having fun. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, shooting, golf, welding, carpentry, collecting guns, cowboy action shooting, riding and training horses. He enjoyed rebuilding and showing classic cars, and traveled to numerous car shows with friends and his wife, Wailene. He competed in several rodeo events like calf roping, team roping and even bareback bronc riding. He belonged to more clubs than most people could name. He even drag raced motorcycles and cars, because normal speeds were just too boring!

He never missed an opportunity to crack a joke, pull a prank, or make someone laugh. His quick wit and good natured mischief will be sorely missed.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, George and Edna(Helton) Higgs and the love of his life, Ella “Wailene” Higgs.

Larry is survived by his son, Larry Charles Higgs(Danita) of Prague, Oklahoma; daughter, Rebecca Ann Forrester(Tom) of Shawnee, Oklahoma; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family and friends.

A service to celebrate his wild and wonderful life will be held on March 25, 2025 at Resthaven Funeral Home in Shawnee, Oklahoma at 2:00p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Larry’s name to Turning Point Therapeutic Ranch, 385 South Country Club Road, Stillwater, OK 74074. Or people can donate on our website: turningpointriding.org on the Give page. The memorial/dedication doesn't come up until someone puts their contact information in.

A visitation for Larry will be held Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home, 44909 Highway 3, Shawnee, OK 74801. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM in Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel, 44909 Highway 3, Shawnee, OK 74801. A committal service will occur Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, 44909 State Hwy 3, Shawnee, OK 74801.