A memorial service for Karroll Higgins, 87, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, at Norman's First Baptist Church. Dr. Wade Smith will officiate.

Karroll died Friday, Feb. 22. He was born in Geary, OK on Feb. 18, 1921, the son of Opal Shawver and Neb Higgins and was reared in Tuttle. Valedictorian of Rush Springs High School, he later graduated from Oklahoma State University. During World War II while serving in the Merchant Marines, he married Mary Ruth Bradley. They celebrated their 65th anniversary on Feb. 20.

On completion of his degree and his time in the Merchant Marines, Karroll taught school for five years at Roosevelt and Frederick, OK. He gave up teaching to become a cattle ranch manager. For many years he worked with cattle in Texas and Pennsylvania raising several national champions. When he retired form the cattle business in 1974, the Higgins family moved to Norman and opened three retail stores.

Karroll was a man given many gifts, he used them all to glorify God. He was inspired to write poetry with a desire to lead others to become Christians. He also had a deep concern for the Cowboy Ministry. He lived a full and spirited life enjoying all of his experiences and making friends wherever he went. His zest for life was complimented by his sincere love for family, friends and anyone he came in contact with.

A deacon in the First Baptist Church, he loved the Lord and will be remembered as an encourager. An adult Sunday School Department which grew strong while he and his wife were the teachers in named in their honor.

An avid sports fan and an ardent golfer who had a hole-in-one on all three Norman courses, he took great pleasure in observing his grandchildren's accomplishments. He was a man who taught life lessons to all ages from his peers to his youngest great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, N.C. Higgins and a son, James Karroll Higgins.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ruth of the home; two daughters and their families, Becky and Thomas Leon, Norman, and Susan and Dr. Ted Wallace, Starkville, Miss.; grandchildren include Monica Leon Boyd and her husband, Deren of Norman, T.J. Leon and his wife Quinn of Columbia, Mo., Stephanie Wallace and her fianc? Alan Mumbower, Katie Wallace, Sarah Wallace and Trey Wallace, all of Starkville; and great-grandchildren, Breyden Boyd, Brody Boyd and Behrett Boyd, all of Norman.

Memorial donations may be made in Karroll's name to further the Missions Programs at First Baptist Church, 211 W. Comanche St., Norman, OK 73069.

Submitted by family