Born: Friday Feb-28-1936
Died: Monday Apr-14-2025
Funeral: Thursday Apr-24-2025

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Lee Edwin Higley of Heyburn, Idaho passed away peacefully at his home on April 14, 2025, from complications of colorectal cancer.

Lee was born on February 28, 1936, in Rupert, Idaho to Lee Ellis and Raymonde Marie (Wiart) Higley. He was the youngest child of seven. He had 2 brothers, Albert and Wallace, and 4 sisters, Evona, Bertha, Marcene, and Naomi. Being the baby of the family, he was spoiled and loved by them all. He grew up playing with his nieces and nephews and getting into mischief. He graduated from Heyburn High School in 1954.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and waterskiing. He learned to work hard at a young age. After his father and mother died, Lee lived with his oldest brother Albert in Paul. There he helped his brothers with their cattle business by hauling cattle from Utah to Idaho. A few years later, he started working construction for Ray Sagers and found the joy of woodworking.

In 1962, his nieces set him up on a date with their hairdresser. That’s when he met the love of his life and eternal companion, Maria Viola Dilworth. They were married on April 27, 1963, in Rupert, Idaho and later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on April 16, 1964. They were blessed with eight children: Melinda, Creed, Cordell, Nancy, Wesley, Wade, Chad, and Travis.

Lee worked in construction for several years, then started his own custom cabinet business – Lee Higley Custom Cabinets. He spent many years building cabinets for several of the homes around here. Two of his sons, Creed and Travis, joined the family business which later became Higley Cabinets, LLC. He semi-retired at the age of 75 but officially retired in 2019 at the age of 83.

Lee enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler while camping and spending time hunting and fishing with his sons. One of his favorite hobbies was mowing the lawn on his Bad Boy lawnmower. He always said he mowed his lawn on his birthday to start out the mowing season. He loved watching his family grow over the years. He could sit and watch his grandchildren and great-grandchildren run around and play all day.

He was a hardworking man. He taught his children the importance of hard work. He could also be a little jokester once in a while. He was a very loving and kind husband and father, dedicated to taking care of and supporting his family.

Lee was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many callings throughout his life including working in the Twin Falls Temple. He was a valiant servant to the Lord.

He will be remembered as a loving husband and adored father and grandpa who was always excited to see his family. He would greet everyone with a smile, even on his darkest days. His great example and testimony will be remembered by his posterity. He touched the lives of many people.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Ellis and Raymonde Higley; siblings, Evona, Albert, Wallace, Bertha, Marcene, and Naomi; and son-in-law, Dan Vorwaller. He is survived by his wife, Maria, of Heyburn; children, Melinda Vorwaller of Burley, Creed (Jolene) Higley of Burley, Cordell Higley of Paul, Nancy (Lyle) Santos of Rupert, Wesley (Holly) Higley of Burley, Wade (Michelle) Higley of Burley, Chad (Nicolle) Higley of Clinton, Utah, and Travis (Shantel) Higley of Heyburn; 30 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.

Lee’s Family invite friends for a visitation on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Hwy 24 in Rupert. A private family Graveside will follow in the Paul Cemetery, in Paul, Idaho. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, located on the Burley, Rupert Highway.

Condolences:

Lee was not only our uncle but more like our brother and our family loved having him live with us. Growing up with him was a blast. I love you Lee. Joyce Higley

Maria and family. We were sad to hear that Lee passed away. We always enjoyed working with Lee and the boys finishing cabinets years ago. We love you. Nolan and Kathy Thompson

Maria and family. So sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Lee will surely be missed. Much love to all of you. Kelly Arritt

Maria and Family, So very sorry for your loss. Lee will always have a special place in my heart. The kindness in his eyes and the smile he gave when he saw you . He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers from my family to you all....Debbie Ramirez

So sorry for your loss may god be with you. Tina Rose