Lieutenant Colonel Donald "Nate" Higgs

United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Donald “Nate” Higgs flew his last flight on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Our lives are forever changed. Nate, who his wife describes as “the best guy ever”, left home with the biggest smile on his face. He was so excited to go fly his new Van’s RV-8 aircraft. Unfortunately, he didn’t return home. He died doing what he loved.

Donald Nathan Higgs was born on July 16, 1980 to Donald and Julieanne Higgs. He was the oldest of five children. Nate graduated from Bonneville High School in 1998 and served an LDS Mission in Portugal. Nate met the love of his life Ashley, and they were married in 2004. Nate gained two wonderful sons that day, Skyler and Kade, and loved and raised them as his own. Ashley often joked that he married her for the boys, but Nate was always quick to correct her and said they were a package deal.

Nate’s passion in life was flying, and he wanted to be a pilot from a very young age. Nate joined the United States Air Force in 2002 to follow his dream, where he served for thirteen years. He became a decorated pilot receiving many awards. In 2019 he transitioned to Air National Guard after active duty and became an instructor pilot on the C-17. Nate was serving within the 183d Airlift Squadron under the 172d Airlift Wing in Jackson, Mississippi. It takes a special person to serve in the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We are grateful for his patriotism, brave efforts, and selfless acts of kindness. Anyone who met Nate or crossed paths with him knew that he was a good man and made instant friends and connections everywhere he went.

Nate began his career with Delta Air Lines in January of 2020, flying an Airbus A320 as first officer.

Nate was the best dad to Skyler and Kade, and Papa to Titan, his very best bud. He loved teasing and antagonizing the boys and challenging them. He was the best example and leader to all.

Nate is survived by his wife, Ashley; sons, Skyler and Kade; grandson, Titan; parents, Donald and Julieanne Higgs; siblings, Neldon and (Mandy) Higgs, Aimee and (Dave) Ferguson, Jace and (Lori) Higgs, Katelan and (Nick) Gale; in laws, Taryn and (Rick) Carlson, William Andersen, Amy and (Ruston) Monson, Angie and (Mac) Erickson and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Nate is preceded in death by three grandparents and a brother-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, pay it forward, help someone in need and be kind because that’s what Nate would do.

Services:

Public visitation will be held Monday, October 16, 2023, at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South Roy, Utah 84067 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Kemp Jet Services, 4282 South 1650 West Ogden, Utah 84405 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am and a funeral service to follow.  Interment will immediately follow at Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd.

A Celebration of Nate’s Life will be held following the interment at Kemp Jet Service.

Special thanks to Lindquist Mortuary, Florist Expressions, the 183d Airlift Squadron, Delta Air Lines, Kemp Jet Services, Nilson Homes, Warehouse 22, Model Linen, Bailey Hansen, Mike Nicholls and many, many family members, friends and neighbors who have reached out, sent flowers, and provided food, comfort, and love for our family. We will forever be grateful for your generosity.

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