Jack Erskin Higgins' Obituary
Jack Erskin Higgins departed this life Monday, March 14, 2016 to be with the Lord.Jack was born September 12, 1923 to Cova and Mary Higgins in Slick, Oklahoma. He grew up in Bowden and began working at an early age as a golf caddy at Oakhurst Country Club, now known as the Oaks.From 1939 to 1955 he worked as the Assistant Golf Professional at Oaks Country Club. His career was interrupted when he proudly enlisted and served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class SV USN from January 31, 1943 to March 10, 1946.Jack married the love of his life, Juanita Faye Ownbey on January 4, 1948 in Tulsa, Oklahoma,Jack was the first and only Head Golf Professional at Meadowbrook Country Club from 1955 until his retirement in 1986. He was recruited by Oral Roberts to become the golf coach at Oral Roberts University from 1973 to 1976 and he later served as the men’s golf instructor at the University of Tulsa.Jack was known as one of the top teaching professionals in the country. He was one of the first in the state to incorporate video replay equipment into his lessons. After retirement, Jack built and operated the Broken Arrow Golf School and continued teaching for many years.During his professional career, Jack played in numerous PGA tournaments including US Opens and PGA Championships. He also held the following awards: 1966 PGA South Central Section Golf Professional of the Year 1967 PGA South Central Section Professional of the Eastern Chapter 1972 PGA South Central Section Professional of the Year 1986 PGA South Central Section Teacher of the Year 2003 Nominated for the Senior Hall of Fame.Jack is survived by Faye, his wife of 68 years; daughters: Pam Patterson and husband Jim and Suzette Baker and husband Brian; five grandchildren: Amber Richardson, Austin Baker, Jaef Baker, Briana Lambert, and Preston Baker; and one great grandchild, Evan Richardson.Jack was preceded in death by Mother and Father; Cova and Mary Higgins; Brothers: Fred Higgins and Frank Higgins; Sisters: Vivian Higgins, Juanita Long, and Vera Smith.Family will greet friends 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, March 20, 2016 at the Floral Haven Funeral Home Visitation Suites, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.A funeral service will be held, 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 21, 2016, at the Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
What’s your fondest memory of Jack?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jack?
Share a story where Jack's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jack you’ll never forget.
How did Jack make you smile?