Stanley Dean Higley

September 1, 1952 - January 24, 2026

Stanley Dean Higley, age 73, passed away on January 24th, 2026, in Atwood, KS, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born on September 1st, 1952, in Atwood, Kansas at the Rawlins County Hospital to Earl and Gleneva (Argabright) Higley.

Stan started school in the one-room schoolhouse south of Atwood, then attended Atwood Grade School and graduated from Atwood High School in 1971. He would continue his education at Colby Community College and Fort Hays State University. Stan wrestled at both schools; he ended his collegiate career with a Bachelors Degree. In 1975, Stan tried out for the Olympics wrestling team, this was an experience he often spoke of. Stan coached wrestling and football throughout Kansas, even for a short time in Oklahoma. Stan returned to Atwood around 1983 and worked on the Higley farm.

On October 5th, 1985, Stan married Denise Brown McDougal. To this union, two children were born, K.C. Barnes and Lakyn Lyn. Stan then adopted Heather Marie and Mitchell Dean. Stan loved being a dad. He would take his children fishing, hunting, and to Nebraska Cornhusker football games. Stan especially enjoyed watching his children play sports but was proud of all of their achievements. He could often be heard yelling encouragement across football fields, wrestling mats, swimming pools, and volleyball courts. Stan also took great pleasure in seeing his grandchildren’s activities.

In 1994, Stan started his career as an over the road truck driver, he retired in 2020. This career allowed Stan and his family to often travel together. In 2006, Stan and Denise began driving together, hauling freight for the Department of Defense. He enjoyed being on all the military bases and meeting many soldiers. Stan would joke that he got to go to Area 51 (but didn't see the aliens), Fort Knox (wouldn't let him see the Gold), and even a few other places that wouldn’t show up on Google.

He got to visit Hearst Castle in California and Niagara Falls, NY. Truck driving allowed Stan to see all 48 connected states, but one of his favorite places was in the northwest of Washington, near Port Hadlock and the surrounding areas.

Stan was preceded in death by his grandsons, Dusty and Luke Higley and his father Earl Barnes Higley.

He is survived by his children, Heather Reever (Kyle), Mitchell Higley, K.C. Higley (Fiona Zhang) and Lakyn Unruh (Dillon); 13 grandchildren; mother Gleneva Higley; sister Lyn Reeves (Jim); brother Ray Higley (Amy) and brother Ken Higley (Rhonda). Stan also leaves behind numerous other family members and friends.

A celebration of life will be at a later date. Inurnment will be at Stevens Chapel Cemetery, southwest of Atwood, Kansas. Memorial contributions can be made to Atwood Kids Wrestling Club, the Atwood Masonic Temple, and Rawlins County High School Alumni and mailed to Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com