Sgt. Paul Eugene Hignite
Sgt. Paul Eugene Hignite, 67, died peacefully surrounded by his friends and family on Feb. 22, 2017. He was born Dec. 24, 1949, to Paul Hignite Sr. and Helen Hignite in Scott City, Kan.
The oldest of five children, he grew up and played football in his hometown of Hayes, Kan.
At the age of 17, he volunteered for U.S. Army service in Vietnam. After boot camp, he furthered his skills in Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) before deployment in 1968. A veteran of two wars, Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm, he served his country in the U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division – the “Warriors” and Arkansas National Guard’s 1st – 142nd FA B/Btry (Field Artillery) unit.
During Operation Desert Storm, Paul enlisted as Sgt. in the Arkansas National Guard where his unit provided howitzer artillery support for ground forces during the liberation of Kuwait City. Upon return, he traveled the U.S. and spent years shrimping in the Gulf of Mexico, even outrunning hurricane Carmine in 1974 by boat.
List of Military Decorations and Accommodations: Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, two Overseas Service Bars, Marksman Sharpshooter M14, Marksman Expert M16 rifle & hand gun, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal.
In June of 1980, he married his soul mate, Mollie Long, and settled in northwest Arkansas. He was the proud father of five children, Mike Hignite, James Hignite, Paul Hignite, Angie Hignite and Rachel Barton, and “Papa Bear” to many more he called his own. He was a brave and loyal soldier and a loving husband.
He is survived by his wife, Mollie Hignite; three brothers, Frank Hignite, Steve Hignite, and Roger Hignite; one sister, Marilyn Cochran; three sons, Mike Hignite, James Hignite, and Paul Hignite; two daughters, Angela Hignite and Rachel Barton; 11 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation was from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at the funeral home.
Service was at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at The Ridge Church in Pea Ridge.
Burial was in the Pea Ridge Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at siscofuneral home.net.
Arrangements are by Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge.