Joe Clifford Higeons, 86, of Talala, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on March 1, 1940, in Claremore, Oklahoma, Joe was the son of Clyde and Lola (Bray) Higeons and spent nearly his entire life serving the Talala community he loved. As a young man, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He graduated from Talala High School in 1958, earned an associate degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, and attended Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee.

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965, where he qualified as both a marksman and sharpshooter. He continued his military service in the Army Reserves until 1968. After completing his service, he worked for Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) and later Oklahoma Fixtures until his retirement.

A lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Talala, Joe faithfully served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years. He was also an active member of the American Legion, serving as both Commander and Chaplain of Higeons-Clemmens Post 337 in Talala. Every Memorial Day, rain or shine, Joe honored those who served by placing flags at the graves of every veteran buried in the Talala and Oolagah cemeteries.

He was known throughout the community for his generous heart and willingness to help others. Whether a neighbor needed a hand, a family member needed encouragement, or his church needed a volunteer, he quietly gave of his time, energy, and talents, without expecting anything in return.

Joe is survived by his sisters, Mary Killion of Haysville, Kansas, Clementine Myers of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Helen Peacock of Arkansas City, Kansas; his brother, Jim Higeons of Claremore, Oklahoma; and a whole passel of nieces and nephews, great, great-great, and great-great-great nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Carl, Edgar, Robert, Chester, and Bill Higeons.

Family was at the heart of Joe's life. He enjoyed working on the farm, tinkering around the homestead, and spending long days in the hayfield. One of his favorite rewards after a hard day's work was a cold glass of iced tea and a piece of his mama's homemade cobbler. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand, share what he had, or brighten someone's day with his kindness and quiet generosity.

Joe was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and faithful friend. To his many nieces and nephews, he was a superhero and a steady example of faith, service, and love. While he will be deeply missed, his family rejoices in the assurance that he is now in the presence of his Savior, singing praises with the angels and hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 12, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., in the First Baptist Church of Talala, with his funeral services the following day, Monday, July 13, 2026, at 10:00 am in the First Baptist Church in Talala, Oklahoma with Reverend Lester Orwig officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Talala.

Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or the Benjamin Funeral Home Facebook page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 W. Cherokee, Nowata. 918-273-2700