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1931 - 2013
 "Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you...Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father, but by me." John 14:1-2, 6
These are Joe Frank Hignett's favorite verses and as of November 24, 2013, he is now in heaven with the Father. Papa Joe's steady consistent character is his most loved quality. He was a kind, gentle, supportive, and faithful man. No one could meet him without being blessed. He will be missed, but there is no doubt by anyone who knows him: "Joe Frank Hignett is in heaven!"
Born September 24, 1931 to Floyd and Gertrude Hignett of Colmesneil, where Joe grew up and graduated from high school. From there he attended Stephen F. Austin University on an athletic scholarship, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in science and physical education. After an honorable discharge from the US Army, Joe returned to SFA where he earned his Master's in Education. Joe worked over 30 years for the Silsbee ISD, where he retired in 1990. He was a coach, teacher, counselor, and school bus driver. Joe was a member of First Baptist Church, Silsbee for more than 55 years where he was a deacon, served on the pulpit committee, led a senior boys Sunday school class, and drove the church bus. Joe spent 13 years as a Boy Scout Master mentoring young men in his local community, an honor he cherished seeing many become Eagle Scouts.
Joe taught his family proper priorities; God first, spouse second, followed by family and friends. With these priorities Joe enjoyed life, especially celebrations with his family. He enjoyed camping, playing golf, attending high school and college sporting events, and traveling. His favorite destination was to Panama City Beach where he vacationed with family and friends for over 40 years. His children and grandchildren adore him, calling him "Papa Joe" and "King of the Beach".
Joe is survived by his adored wife of 55 years, JoAnne Sarver Hignett of Beaumont; his daughter Gina Anne, her husband (and son-in-law) Brad Blankenship; his sons, Jack Karl and James Kent and their wives, Christine and Kimberly; his ten grandchildren Angela, Cally, Craig, Jason, Ally, Daniel, Stephen, Kevin, Kenton and Sarah and three great granddaughters Addison Kenlie, Molly Mae and Glory Ann.
Visitation will be Tuesday, November 26, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Farmer Funeral Home, 415 North 4th Street in Silsbee. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Silsbee, 350 Hwy 96 South at 10:00 Wednesday, November 27, 2013 with a graveside service at 1:00 pm at Colmesneil Cemetery on FM 256 East in Colmesneil, Texas.
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There are currently 17 condolences.
Bob and Janie Meigs
Sunday October 26, 2014 at
5:01 AM
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Apologetic belated condolosences:
Sad hearts hearing of Joe's passing. Good man, loyal friend. Joanne, may God bless you and your family.
Hugs,
Bobby and Janie Meigs and family
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Merita Tennison Haley
Friday January 3, 2014 at
5:53 PM
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My sincere sympathy on the death of Mr. Hignett. He was a great man and the students in Silsbee were blessed to have had him in their lives.
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Thomas LaToof
Sunday December 15, 2013 at
11:44 AM
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So sorry for your loss. Mr. Hignett will always have a special place in my heart . He was truly a special person. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
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Johnnie and Beverly Johnson
Friday November 29, 2013 at
1:32 PM
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We have both known Joe and Joanne as our teachers and friends, and have great respect and admiration for them in both capacities.Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
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Luella O'Quinn and Charlotte O'Quinn Arceneaux
arceno@camtel.net
Thursday November 28, 2013 at
10:16 AM
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Dear Joanne and Family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Love and Hugs, Luella O'Quinn and Charlotte O'Quinn Arceneaux.
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Hulda Bertrand
Wednesday November 27, 2013 at
3:07 PM
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So sorry to hear about Joe's passing. He was respected and loved by all who knew him. To Jack and his siblings, he was a great father. Prayers for you and all the family.
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Cecil & Barbara Arnold
Tuesday November 26, 2013 at
9:43 PM
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Mrs.Hignett,we are so sorry about the loss of your "Love". I wish that I had the words to say just how Cecil and I feel. He still has that rake.
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The Whittington's
Tuesday November 26, 2013 at
2:25 PM
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Just a note to let you know we are thinking about you. May God's love be wrapped around each of you.
Blessings, The Horace Whittington Family.
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Nan Gore
Tuesday November 26, 2013 at
9:57 AM
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So very sorry for your loss. Truman & Nan Gore
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Ron and Peggy Scarborough/Georgetown, TX
Tuesday November 26, 2013 at
8:14 AM
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I can't even begin to imagine a world without Joe Hignett. We've all lost a dear loving friend. My heart hurts...
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Wayne Miller [class of 66]
Tuesday November 26, 2013 at
7:40 AM
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Mr. Hignett touched the lives of thousands of kids [including me]. He guided our school lives and set a wonderful example to follow. He proved that even with a small speech impediment you could lead a life of leadership. He is in heaven today teaching or officiating a sporting event. He was a man among men who would go the extra mile for his students. A true TIGER at heart. His family is surely proud of him. I am and always be his student.
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Johelen Poindexter
Tuesday November 26, 2013 at
1:13 AM
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Joe Frank was truly an exceptional person and a beloved member of our family. I will miss him so much. My prayers and sympathy to his wonderful family with much love.
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Wayne & Frankye Riley
Monday November 25, 2013 at
4:18 PM
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He is going to be missed by many, many, people. I can truly say I have never heard an unkind word about Mr. Hignett.
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Pat Pryor
Monday November 25, 2013 at
3:24 PM
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Mr. Hignett was such a great role model to many a young man in his teachings through school, scouting and church. He will always be remembered but never forgotten for his dedication. Thanks Mr. Joe.
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Jana Guidry-Smith
Monday November 25, 2013 at
2:38 PM
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We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family!
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Pat Richardson (Pantego, TX)
Monday November 25, 2013 at
1:53 PM
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My condolences and prayers go out to all the Hignett family and to Joe's many friends and former students. He would say I am being redundant since his former students are also his friends. But that redundancy reflects the character of the man who could be both a teacher and a friend.
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Linda Broeder
lbroede1@yahoo.com
Monday November 25, 2013 at
12:14 PM
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So sorry for your loss. He was truly one of my favorite people. He always had an answer no matter what the problem.
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