In Memory Of
William Coyner Higgs
1932
2023
William Coyner Higgs
January 14, 1932 — June 19, 2023
William (Bill) Coyner Higgs 91, died June 19, 2023 at his home. He was born January 14, 1932 in Topeka, the son of LeRoy Vial and Gladys Marie (Coyner) Higgs. He was a lifelong resident of Topeka. He grew up in North Topeka, attending Quincy Elementary and Curtis Junior High before crossing the river and graduating from Topeka High School in 1950.
He served in the U.S Navy onboard the USS Frank Knox during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He continued to serve his country as a member of the 190th Air National Guard until his retirement in 1991 after having served active duty during Desert Storm. He joined the Topeka Fire Department in 1954 serving the city for 36 years retiring in 1990. On the Topeka Fire Department, he held key roles including Fire Marshal and Fire Chief.
He married Kay Dunham, on July 7, 1962. He attended Fellowship Bible Church. Bill was a champion marksman having competed nationally representing the 190th Air Guard. Later in life he enjoyed Cowboy Action Shooting and was known as Old Sarge with the Capital City Cowboys. Bill was a member of the American Legion Holton Post 044 and the Capital City Gun Club.
His wife Kay survives. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert J. Higgs of Topeka and George L. Higgs of Rockville MD.
Private graveside services will take place at Rochester Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66604 or to Fellowship Bible Church 6800 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66615.
To leave a message for Bill's family, please visit the guestbook below.
He served in the U.S Navy onboard the USS Frank Knox during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He continued to serve his country as a member of the 190th Air National Guard until his retirement in 1991 after having served active duty during Desert Storm. He joined the Topeka Fire Department in 1954 serving the city for 36 years retiring in 1990. On the Topeka Fire Department, he held key roles including Fire Marshal and Fire Chief.
He married Kay Dunham, on July 7, 1962. He attended Fellowship Bible Church. Bill was a champion marksman having competed nationally representing the 190th Air Guard. Later in life he enjoyed Cowboy Action Shooting and was known as Old Sarge with the Capital City Cowboys. Bill was a member of the American Legion Holton Post 044 and the Capital City Gun Club.
His wife Kay survives. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert J. Higgs of Topeka and George L. Higgs of Rockville MD.
Private graveside services will take place at Rochester Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66604 or to Fellowship Bible Church 6800 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66615.
To leave a message for Bill's family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Coyner Higgs, please visit our flower store.
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