Wilfrid A. “Hoop” Higgins, age 97, died on May 9, 2024, at HaysMed, Hays, Kansas. He was born on August 30, 1926, on the family farm Southwest of McCracken, Kansas the son of Leo and Teresa (Coleman) Higgins.
Hoop graduated from McCracken High School and then joined the United States Army Air Corp. Hoop and Twila were married in Kansas City, 75 years ago on March 29, 1949. Together, they raised cattle, wheat and their 4 children in McCracken, Kansas. Hoop was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council 2970. He was an active member of West Birch American Legion Post 59, McCracken. Hoop was an avid golfer and loved all sports.
He is survived by his wife, Twila; his three sons, Doug and his wife, Mary, of Lyons, Rich and his wife, Mary Lou, of Lakin, and Larry and his wife, Melody, of Riverton, Wyoming; his daughter, Nancy Wiebe and her husband, Mike, of Blue Springs, Missouri; 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren with on one the way; and 2 great great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Vincent, Leon “Pad”, James, and Victor; his sister Angela Higgins, infant daughter, infant granddaughter, and infant great granddaughter.
Viewing will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, McCracken on Sunday, May 12 from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. when the Rosary will begin. Mass of Christian burial will be at the church on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given the St. Mary’s Heritage or McCracken American Legion Post 59. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wreaths Across America.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.