Russell D. Higginson

Mr. Russell D. Higginson, age 86, died peacefully at home Sunday morning, July 20, 2008. He was born April 24, 1922 in Big Rapids, MI to Joseph and Hazel (Jacks) Higginson and had resided in Muskegon since 1940. Mr. Higginson was a WWII U.S. Army Veteran, serving from March of 1943 to October of 1945 in the European Campaign. He served with the 3rd Cavalry Group - 3rd and 43rd Reconnaissance Squadron and they were known as "Patton's Ghost Troops." After the war he enjoyed the friendship of his many Army buddies and their spouses at social gatherings and yearly reunions. On June 18, 1945 he married the love of his life, the former Leona M. Dyer and they were married 61 years until her death on June 7, 2006. He was employed by Wolverine Express, Inc. as a long-haul truck driver for 37 years before retiring in 1979. He was very proud of having achieved an award for a million miles of safe, accident free driving. Russell was active in the Masonic Order from 1962-2008, and was a 32 degree Mason. He belonged to and was past Master of the Lovell Moore Lodge #182 F, Muskegon Chapter #47 R, Muskegon Council #54 R, Muskegon Commandry #22 Knights Templar, past Watchman of Shepherds of Bethesda Shrine #21 Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Phoenix #449, the Grand Rapids Consistory of the Scottish Rite, the Saladin Shrine of Grand Rapids and their clown group. Mr. Higginson held many offices in those groups over the years, but closest to his heart was his work with the Saladin Shrine Children's Van. He took over 400 trips to the Chicago Shrine Hospital with disabled children, and worked each year here at the Shrine Circus. Russell was an avid hunter for most of his life - hunting in both the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan and many western states. Leona and Russell both enjoyed hunting and traveling with friends to many places throughout the United States. SURVIVORS include his daughter, Dee Miskowiec of Roosevelt Park; grandson, Thomas (Cynthia) Miskowiec of Clarkesville, TN; great-granddaughter, Kelsie Miskowiec; his extended family, Mary Caul of Naperville, IL, Casey (Jen) Caul of Montgomery, IL, Ryan and Kati Caul of Montgomery, IL, Carter (Colleen) Caul of Frankfort, IL, Maggie and Mary Kate Caul of Frankfort, IL; sister, Juana Yeager of Big Rapids; 2 sisters-in-law, Bonnie and Juanita Dyer; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Glen and Gale Higginson. According to Russell's wishes, there will be a private family service in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Saladin Shrine Foundation for Children, Inc. (4200 Saladin Dr., S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49456).