Dale Everett Higgins age 97 departed this life Friday the 1st of December at home surrounded by his loving family. Dale was born October 8th 1926 in Seward County KS. to Thomas E. and Zola Higgins. He was raised in Liberal KS. and completed his formal education with graduation from Liberal High School in 1944. He enlisted in the United States Navy during the height of World War II in 1944 at the age of 17. He served with honor in the Pacific theatre and helped evacuate POW’S from Japan three days after the Japanese surrender. After the war Dale returned to Liberal where he met and married Lois Mae Scott on June 6th 1948 and began a wonderful 71 year union that seven children were born into. Dale and Lois spent many years residing in Liberal, KS. then Alva, OK. Olathe, KS. Oklahoma City, OK.  and finally to Branson , MO. where he resided until the time of his death. He spent 20 years as a journeyman carpenter followed by a career with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline. Upon his retirement in 1985 he then became a licensed real estate agent until his final retirement in 2010. He enjoyed camping and boating with his family and loved spending time at the lake. Dale and Lois also enjoyed their hobby of square dancing and were active in the Silver Spur OKC Square Dance Club. He was a long time member of Draper Park Christian Church in Oklahoma City followed by The Grove Christian Church in Branson MO.  He was always a valuable and active member of his community including: American Legion Post 0153 Olathe ,KS. Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Life Member Overland Park, KS. lodge 2395. Associate Member of College of The Ozark’s. Member of The Branson Veterans of America 913He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois, brother Leo, sister Minnie Lou, infant son Jimmy Dale, daughter Carolyn Sue, and son Timothy Everett. He is survived by his sister Letha, four daughters, Rita Smith Albuquerque, NM. Juanita Higgins Branson, MO. Sandra Roberts Branson, MO. Trudi Stark Lenexa, KS.15 grandchildren 17 great grandchildren one great great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held December 30th, 11:00 am at The Grove Christian Church, Branson Missouri. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to The Grove Christian Church.