Larry Charles Higgins

October 21, 1936 – January 20, 2026

ST. GEORGE, UT — Larry Charles Higgins, age 89, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026. A man whose life was dedicated to faith, family, and lifelong learning. Larry leaves behind a legacy as vast and enduring as the Utah landscapes he spent his life documenting.

Born on October 21, 1936, in the red rocks of St. George to Erastus Snow and Grace Higgins, Larry’s roots ran deep in southern Utah. From his early days as a line cook at Dick’s Cafe to his service in the National Guard, he approached every task with quiet dedication. In 1957, he shared his heart and faith while serving in the Southeastern States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—a devotion to his Savior that would remain his North Star for the rest of his life.

In 1960, Larry’s life was forever changed when he married his sweetheart, Emma Lou Bagley, in the Manti, Utah Temple. Together, they built a life founded on love and learning. Following Emma Lou’s passing, Larry was blessed to find companionship again and shared many wonderful years with his second wife, Camiella.

Larry turned his fascination with nature into a distinguished career. After earning his Doctorate in Botany from BYU, he inspired countless students at West Texas State University and later at Dixie College. Using his extensive knowledge and research of Utah plant life, he co-authored the book “A Utah Flora”. In his golden years, he found great peace tending the sacred grounds of the St. George Temple, ensuring the house of the Lord was as beautiful as the hills he loved to hike.

Larry was an avid marathon runner and triathlete; he qualified and ran the Boston Marathon. Larry was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all his life and served as Branch President in Canyon, Texas, as well as many other callings in the church. His life was a testament to serving and loving others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wives, Emma Lou and Camellia, and his son, Robyn, and daughter, Cheryl.

He is survived by his brother, Ross (Margaret), his sister, Colleen, and his sons, Bruce (Jen) and Eric (Caithny). He also leaves behind his stepchildren, Shana (Dave) Jones, Shayne Sullivan, Becky (Mike) Johnson, and Michael (Debra) Sullivan, along with a cherished generation of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will forever look at a Utah wildflower and think of him.

Services of Remembrance:

We will celebrate Larry’s remarkable journey on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Spilsbury Mortuary Chapel (110 S. Bluff St., St. George, UT). Friends and family are invited to a viewing prior to the service from 9:00 am to 9:45 am.

Interment:

Larry will be laid to rest at 2:30 pm at the Aurora Cemetery in Aurora, Utah, beneath the wide Utah sky he loved so much.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and their condolences on Larry’s online guestbook at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com