Terry Junior Higgs

Terry Junior Higgs, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and servant to his community, passed away on December 4, 2024, at the age of 77.

Terry was born on June 11, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Junior William Higgs and Jean Elsie Neilson. As the eldest of four children, he grew up in Tooele, Utah, where he cultivated a love for family and faith.

After graduating from Tooele High School in 1965, Terry went on to attend Brigham Young University for a year, where he showcased his athletic talent playing baseball. From 1966 to 1968, he faithfully served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States Mission.

Upon returning from his mission, Terry met Anita Whitaker, a high school teacher in Tooele. They fell in love and were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on September 25, 1970.

The couple purchased their first home in Tooele, Utah, where they were blessed with four children. In 1979, they took a leap of faith and moved to Anita’s hometown of Kanosh, Utah. There, they expanded their family with two more children. It was a home filled with laughter, hard work, and cherished memories.

Terry was a lifelong and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various callings throughout his life. Shortly after his marriage, he was called as a Seventy. Over the years, he served in five bishoprics. He also served as a stake missionary, young men’s president, ward clerk, ward mission leader, Sunday School president, and high priest group leader. However, his favorite calling was teaching in the Primary, where he enjoyed sharing his faith with the youngest members of the Church.

Terry’s professional life was marked by dedication and service. He worked for the State of Utah as the Southern Region Supervisor of the Driver’s License Division, retiring after 34 years of service. His love for his community led him to serve as the Mayor of Kanosh for 20 years, a role he fulfilled with pride and care. After retirement, he continued serving as the Fillmore Bus Garage Supervisor for the Millard School District, working right up to the day of his passing.

Terry is survived by his wife, Anita Whitaker Higgs; his six children: Jared (Michelle) Higgs of Kanosh, UT; Ryan (Wendy) Higgs of Aurora, UT; Kyle (Christine) Higgs of Williston, ND; Matt (Angela) Higgs of Columbia, TN; Randi (Bold) Butler of Leamington, UT; and Derek Higgs of Kanosh, UT; and 17 grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Gary (Debbie) Higgs, Linda Wilcock (Marvin-deceased), and Randy (Cris) Higgs, as well as many cherished in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Terry’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, selfless service, and boundless love for his family, friends, and community. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

Funeral services will be held December 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Kanosh Ward Chapel. Viewings will be held December 20, 2024 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and December 21, 2024 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. prior to services both held at the church. Interment in the Kanosh Town Cemetery.  

To Watch Funeral Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 10:45 a.m. MST Prior to services.