Robert Lewis Higbee's Obituary
Robert Lewis “Hawk” Higbee, passed away March 15, 2017 in Leesburg, VA after a short illness. Robert was born June 22, 1923 in Berrien Springs, MI to Cecelia Ness Higbee and Adelbert Lyle Higbee. The couple settled in Mt. Clemens MI. After the untimely work related death of Adelbert, Cecelia remained in Mt. Clemens to raise her six young children. The Higbee kids were a lively bunch. They were imaginative and resourceful in their play including the formation of the “Raggedy-Ass Rangers”. We can only imagine the antics in a neighborhood full of children in the 1930’s!
Robert served in the US Army Amphibious Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Becoming a soldier was formative and he drew strength from that experience for the rest of his life. He was fortunate to serve with soldiers from Michigan and their friendships lasted a lifetime. He told many stories about Wally Painter and Pat Flood. He was a proud veteran and wore his WWII hat when out in public. In his later years, many people would stop to shake his hand and thank him for his service.
When he returned from the war, he worked for 45 years for the Detroit Edison Company at the Mt. Clemens warehouse. He and his late spouse, Eileen, raised six children. Hawk was devoted to taking care of his family and his home. He loved to explore on Saturdays with the children, often down country roads looking for exceptional hickory nut trees. Hawk loved to drive and in 1967, took his four youngest children cross-country on Route 66. He had great appreciation for the National Parks and Monuments.
Grandchildren were a special joy. The first were born in Michigan when he was in his 40’s. After retirement, Eileen and he enjoyed traveling to California and Maine to visit more grandchildren. They often took Eileen’s sisters with them. Hawk was the driver, the ladies navigated. They all laughed, ate well, played cards, and enjoyed the scenery. Hawk and Eileen also enjoyed attending annual Army reunions held across the United States. They moved to Ashburn, VA in 2003.
Robert is survived by; a sister Margaret Brown, of Boise, ID and a brother Warren Higbee, of Chesterfield Township, MI. He is also survived by six children; Robert L. Higbee II, Daniel J. Higbee, Timothy K. Higbee, Jon K. Higbee, Nancy E. Perkins and Susan M. Londos, ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Hawk had countless friends, and the family is grateful to the children of those friends who still called him in his later years.
Rest in peace Dad, we thank you for your unending love and devotion. Thank you for teaching us your work ethic and the importance of remembering the disadvantaged.
Robert requested a private family gathering at St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Baltimore, Michigan.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert ?
Share a story where Robert 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?