Michael Lavern Higdon (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Michael Lavern Higdon was born Tuesday, January 28, 1947, in Boulder, Colorado. He
departed this life Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at his home in Lebanon, Missouri at the
age of seventy-five years, nine months, and seventeen days.
He was preceded in death by his wife Billie, father Donald Higdon, mother Cora
Higdon, sister Billie Mason, and two brothers Richard Mason and Robert “Bob” Higdon.
Michael is survived by his son Patrick L. Higdon and wife Donna of Leesburg,
Virginia; his daughter, Kimberly D. Renova of Denver, Colorado; five grandchildren,
Kevin, Mikaela, Alanna, Angelica, and Dexter; eight nieces and nephews, Kandi,
William, Jeffery, Laurie, Anthony, Michelle, Anissa, and Dennis, and a host of other
relatives and friends.
Michael was raised in Lincoln, California. After graduating high school, he was drafted
into the United States Army where he served his country faithfully in the Vietnam War
from 1968 until 1973. During his time in Vietnam, he earned the National Defense
Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars for Valor, Vietnam
Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, Army Commendation Medal, Sharpshooter Medal
(M-14), and 2 Overseas Bars.
After Michael’s service to our country, he spent some time as a
professional chef in New York City, before moving west to be
near family in Colorado and California. On Sunday, September 9, 1973, he was united
in marriage to Billie Kay Fletcher, and to this union they were blessed with a son and a
daughter in Sacramento, California. He retired as a Foreman Roofer from the
Sacramento Unified School District in 1994. He and his wife Billie then opened The
Whistle Stop Diner in Oregon House, California. The Diner was destroyed in the 1999
Norther California forest fire. Michael and his wife then relocated to Colorado and then
ultimately settled in Lebanon, Missouri in 2003.
Michael liked taking road trips, camping, cooking, fishing, hunting, and just being
outdoors in general. Michael served as a Scoutmaster for Troop #103 while mentoring
his son Patrick, to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in 1985. His family and friends were
very important to him, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren,
nieces, and nephews.
He was a hard-working provider and a caring, loyal, supportive, and protective husband,
father, papa, uncle, and friend that would help anyone who needed it. As we celebrate
his life, his family and friends will hold tight to the wonderful memories that were created
during his lifetime.
Graveside Services will be held for Michael at Mount Rose Memorial Park in Lebanon,
Missouri on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at 2 p.m. where he will be laid to rest next to
his soulmate and wife, Billie.
~ Together, Always and Forever ~
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?
