Eugene "Gene" Clements Higgins

Eugene “Gene” Clements Higgins, age 81, made his last flight on Friday, January 22, 2021 from San Antonio, Texas. Gene was born November 18, 1939 in Richmond, Virginia to Clara Jeanette Clements and Elmer Eugene Higgins, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his beloved wife Pat Higgins who endured (Gene’s words) him for 61 years; daughters Christi Tysarczyk (Bob) and Donna Kelly (Eric Mullis); honorary daughters Pam Powledge (Rick) and Tami Pugh (Randy); grandchildren Kendra Poshek (Dan), Ryan Kelly (Jessica) and Cassie Tysarczyk; great-grandchildren Audrey and Ainsley Poshek, Adeline and Nora Kelly; his brother Richard Higgins (Fay); sister Carolyn Higgins (Jody Taylor); his much-loved extended family; his dear furbaby Chloe who brought him so much happiness; two co-op dogs, Rylee and Tigger; and Stanley the cat. He loved his family dearly and was very proud of all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

From a very young age, Gene was bound for a career in aviation. He served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961 as an air traffic controller. He was an FAA controller from 1962 until retirement in 1997 with 40 years of federal service. After a variety of experience in the southwest, he worked in FAA headquarters for 13 years before managing Fort Worth AFSS, the second busiest facility in the country.

His community service included leadership roles in the Houston Area Explorer Scouts, Federal Executive Association, Las Vegas Presbyterian Church Deacon, Kiwanis Club, Las Vegas City Council, Las Vegas San Miguel County Chamber of Commerce and Hill Country Veterans Council.

He continued his work in aviation after retirement. He was President of 4D Information Systems and an ATC consultant for several companies including Millennium Technology, Serco and Computer Sciences Corporation. In 2006 he started a small business, Dog House Consulting, specializing in air traffic control services, archaeology, mule skinning, dysfunctional family counseling, mobster stories, and veterans’ advocacy. He later became a CSC employee, retiring for good in 2012 at age 72. He was an avid Veterans’ Advocate and served as a board member on the Hill Country Veterans Council from 1998-2014.

Gene wanted to be remembered first as a patriot, then as a champion of fairness and beneficial change.

Due to COVID and safety concerns, the visitation at Porter Loring Mortuary and Interment at Fort Sam National Cemetery with military honors on Friday, February 19, 2021 will be private with immediate family only.

For those who would like to view a livestream of this service, please see below:

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, or to the charitable organization of your choice.