Odessa, Texas, USA U.S. Army SSG, Co B, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, Fort Lewis, Wa Taji, Iraq 5-22-2007
SSG Kristopher A. Higdon died May 22, 2007 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device was detonated under his Stryker vehicle, fatally wounding SSG Higdon as well as another soldier inside the vehicle. These soldiers were a part of the Manchu Regiment, a part of the 9th infantry and one of the oldest and most decorated active duty infantry units, from Fort Lewis, Washington. SSG Higdon had been overseas on his second tour of duty when he was killed. He would have been twenty six on July 10.
Kris grew up with his parents, Ronda and Danny Higdon, his brothers, Britt, Kaleb and Blake Higdon, as well as a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Kris attended Permian High School in Odessa, Texas where he was active in soccer, ROTC and was involved in AP coursework as well as coursework at Odessa College.
Kris’ mother notes that he was devoted to his military life, military family and to honorably serving his country. He was well respected among those who served with and under his supervision. Kris made it known that he had a strong belief in his purpose and the role of the US Military.
SSG Higdon is survived by his wife, Makayne Higdon, his daughter, Kacie Higdon and his stepson, Hunter Bartek, his mother and adoptive father Ronda and Danny Higdon, his father Lynn Little, his brothers Blake, Britt and Kaleb as well as grandparents, Mary Bankhead and Patsy and Gerald Higdon
Kris was honored by a large memorial service in his hometown at Sherwood Church of Christ followed by a balloon release led by his daughter, Kacie. A ROTC memorial site and tree was placed at Permian High School. Burial service was in Killeen, Texas at the Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery.
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