TOWN HILL – Elmer Morrison Higgins Jr. Command Sgt. Maj., U.S. Army Retired, 79, died Jan. 28, 2005, at Mt. Desert Island Hospital. He was born March 8, 1925, in Trenton, the son of Elmer M. and Addie M. (Murphy). Upon graduating from high school, Elmer spent two years in the Merchant Marines and then served 28 years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 1972. Elmer saw action in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam and served in the occupation of France, Germany and Japan. He received many decorations and citations, including the National Defense Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Korean Service Medal, two Purple Hearts, Combat Infantry Badge, Occupational Medals, Germany and Japan, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Campaign Medal with RVN Cross of Gallantry with 5 Overseas Bars and Meritorious Service Medal. Elmer was a long-time member of the Mt. Desert Masonic Lodge No. 140, A.F.A.M. Elmer is survived by his beloved wife, Bertha M. (Hodgdon) Higgins of Town Hill; one son, Paul Wayne Higgins and wife, Elizabeth, of Bath; one daughter, Diane Susan Berger and husband, Gerald, of Germany; two stepsons, Fred A. Davis and wife, Evelyn and Charles E. Turnbull Jr., both of Bar Harbor; one step-daughter, April H. Connors and husband, Peter, of Georgetown; and four grandchildren, Erik and Bobby Berger, Samuel and Maeve Higgins; many stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren, one aunt and many cousins. He is predeceased by one stepdaughter, Ruthann E. Davis; and one brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Louise Higgins. Friends are invited to call 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005, at Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mt. Desert, where Masonic services will be held at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, at Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mt. Desert. Spring interment will be at Brookside Cemetery, Mt. Desert. Contributions in Elmer’s memory may be made to the Mt. Desert Masonic Lodge No. 140, care of Charles Fred Swanson, Treasurer, 12 R & R Drive, Trenton, ME 04605.
ELMER MORRISON HIGGINS JR.
