A Celebration of Life for Michael Lane Higgins, Age 71 of Eminence, Missouri will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. at Cross Country Trail Ride in Eminence, Missouri. All who knew Mike are encouraged to attend, share a meal, and remember the remarkable person he was. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the BEST foundation, P.O. Box 730, Eminence, MO, 65466, to benefit the students of Eminence R-I School District. Please note on the check “In memory of Mike Higgins.” Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary. com
Michael Lane Higgins of Eminence, Missouri, died on September 25, 2025, at his home, at the age of 71. He was born on September 15, 1954, to Edgar Ford and Sybil Lorelle (Winn)Higgins in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.
He spent his formative years in Greenville, Kentucky, where he found enjoyment in hunting, riding and showing horses, and racing stock cars. It was during a vacation with friends at Cross Country Trail Ride in Eminence, Missouri, that Mike met his future wife. Mike married Mary Kay (Smith) Gregory on August 6, 1992, in Eminence, Missouri. Mike and Mary Kay spent their first three years together in Greenville, Kentucky, before they made Eminence, Missouri, their home.
Mike was passionate about hunting, with a particular fondness for coon hunting. He enjoyed spending time riding and showing horses, relaxing by the river, and taking family trips to the beach. A favorite pastime that he enjoyed was simply sitting by the shore.
Professionally, Mike dedicated many years to Ardco Manufacturing in Elkton, Kentucky. He worked for Cross Country Trail Ride after moving to Missouri, and, more recently, for Brewer’s Ice Company in Eminence, Missouri.
He was known for his generous spirit. Mike was always ready to help others, especially those in need during the winter months by providing food and clothing. Mike was also well known for his wonderful sense of humor; he could light up a room with his laughter. One of his favorite jokes was the “wide-mouth frog” joke. He made it unforgettable by the way he told it, and his hilarious facial expressions. Above all, his devotion to his wife and family was evident, and he touched many lives with his kindness.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Kay (Smith) Higgins; his parents, Edgar and Sybil Higgins; his brother, Ronnie Higgins; and his brother-in-law, Dorris Johnson.
He is survived by his brother, Kenny Higgins and wife, Sue; his sister, JoAnn Johnson; his sister-in-law, Brenda Higgins; his sister-in-law, Carolyn Dyer; his brother-in-law, David Smith and partner, Gingee Adams; his sons, Joey Higgins and wife, Wendy of Lewisburg, KY, and Lane Higgins of the home; his stepsons, Charles Brandon Gregory of Eminence, MO, and James Paul Gregory and wife, Amy of Waxhaw, NC; grandchildren, Whitney Higgins, Waylon Gregory, Harper Gregory, Hollis Gregory, Brayden Gregory, and Everly Gregory; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was dearly loved by all who knew him and will be deeply missed.
