BANGOR – Francis E. “Moldy” Higgins, 85, died Oct. 27, 2004, at his Bangor home after a long illness. He was born July 25, 1919 in East Millinocket, the son of John and Marion (Gilmore) Higgins. He attended the Bangor school system. Francis was a World War II veteran with 23 years of military service in the Navy. He was extremely proud of his service aboard the Battleship Mississippi and the submarines S-15, USS Croaker, USS Sea Robin, USS Cusk, USS Truxtun, USS Sable Fish, USS Grampus, and USS Pom Pom. Francis also was a civilian employee for 17 years at the U.S. Naval Security Group in Winter Harbor. He was a member of many veterans Groups, including the World War II Submarine Veterans. He was a Plank owner for the USS Croaker and was on the Sea Robin when she became the first submarine to travel Around the Horn. He also was a member of the Pilgrim Presbyterian Church of Bangor and attended Highway International Ministries Church in Carmel. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his beloved grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time with his fellow World War II veterans. He loved to shop, sing his old favorites, and play anyone a game of cribbage. He was a great storyteller, especially WWII submarine stories. He was a kind and gentle man who will be greatly missed by many. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Peggy (Bailey) Manning Higgins of Bangor; two sons, Daniel Higgins and Edward Higgins and his wife, Joanie all of Amarilo, Texas; two daughters, Frances and her husband, Joe Montgomery, of Amarillo, Texas, Latona and her husband, Jerry Sevantesm of Lubbuck, Texas; two stepdaughters, Sally and Frank Salas of Newport, R.I., Nancy Morey and her husband, Fred, of Bangor; one stepson, John Manning and his wife, Linda Farwell, of Hallowell; one brother, Donald of Orono; two sisters, Margaret Spero of Newport, R.I., Joanne Harvey of Eddington; 22 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by three brothers, Charles, John, James; two sisters, Theresa, and Joyce. Services will be private for the family. A service of Brookings-Smith, Bangor.
FRANCIS E. HIGGINS
