Charles Joseph "Chuck" Higgins

Charles Joseph "Chuck" Higgins, age 61, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, at the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute after a long battle with lung cancer. Surrounded by the love of his family and sustained by his faith in Jesus Christ, Chuck faced his final years with remarkable strength, grace, and determination. Chuck was born on June 24, 1964, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to John and Charlotte Higgins. From an early age, he possessed a sharp mind, a love of learning, and a courageous confidence that would empower him throughout his life. He graduated from Purdue University in 1986 with a degree in Mathematics and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the Air Force ROTC program. Chuck went on to serve his country with distinction for more than fourteen years in the United States Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve. He began U.S. Air Force Navigator Training at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California, followed by Fighter Lead-In Training at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. He later served as a Weapons Systems Officer flying RF-4 aircraft at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Texas. Due to his exceptional performance, Chuck was selected for Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training and later served as a Flight Lead and Instructor Pilot for the F-16. He flew the F-16 Fighting Falcon in Austin, Texas; Houston, Texas; Tucson, Arizona; and at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. He served in combat operations over Bosnia and Iraq in support of “no-fly” zone missions. Flying was more than a profession for Chuck—it was the love of his life. In 1990, he welcomed his son, Benjamin Howerton, with Trayce Howerton Snow. Benjamin currently resides in Alexandria, Louisiana. While serving as an F-16 Instructor Pilot with the Arizona Air National Guard, Chuck was hired by United Airlines on June 23, 1997. He continued serving in the Air Force Reserve while building a successful career in commercial aviation. He retired from military service in November 2000. At United Airlines, he flew the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 from bases including San Francisco, Denver, and Houston. In 2015, he became a Flight Manager in the San Francisco Chief Pilot's Office, where he earned deep respect for his leadership and integrity. He later returned to flying as a Captain in 2018. His final flight took place on January 9, 2020. A turning point in Chuck's life came when he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized on December 31, 1999. Shortly thereafter, he married Alesha Marie Stevens in the Bountiful Utah Temple on January 12, 2001. Together they built a loving home and raised five children in Ogden, Utah. Chuck served faithfully in many leadership positions within the Church, most notably as Bishop of his congregation for five and a half years while battling cancer. Even while battling cancer, he strived to follow the example of Jesus Christ by continuing to minister to others, offering inspired guidance, compassion, and exemplary leadership. More than any title he held—as pilot, captain, instructor, manager, or bishop—Chuck treasured being a husband and father. He loved spending time with his children, taking them hiking, sharing books and ideas, teaching them about history and government, and encouraging them to think deeply and live faithfully. When illness ended his flying career, Chuck found new ways to serve and teach. Through the Independent Education Program, he taught Speech and Debate, Moot Court, and Constitution classes. His students remember him as an inspiring teacher who loved freedom and who challenged them to think critically, communicate clearly, and become informed citizens. Through the battle with lung cancer he gathered energy and motivation from continuing his education. Even until the last few months of his life he took Political Economy and Constitution classes online through Hillsdale College. Chuck is survived by his beloved wife, Alesha Higgins; his mother, Charlotte Higgins; his six children, Benjamin Howerton, Anna Higgins, Adam Higgins, Miriam Higgins, Seth Higgins, and Eli Higgins; and his four siblings: Anne Edwards (Jeff), Carole Morris (Larry), Mike Higgins (Virginia), and Jeanne Bergin (Michael). He was preceded in death by his father, John Higgins. Chuck will be remembered for his faith, service, leadership, love of family, and dedication to his country and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his example will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched. Services will be held on Saturday, June 27th. The viewing will be from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM. The Funeral Service will start at 3:00 PM. Address: LDS Church 770 15th Street Ogden, UT 84404 Zoom Link for Funeral: https://zoom.us/j/94264856366 In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Charles Higgins Memorial Fund through venmo @aleshahiggins - https://venmo.com/u/aleshahiggins OR funds can be transferred, or a check may be sent to: America First Credit Union Account #: 9135633 Name: Higgins Routing Number: 324377516 Address: PO Box 9199, Ogden, UT, 84409

Charles Joseph "Chuck" Higgins

June 24, 1964 - June 18, 2026