Gene Ray Ashpaugh, 84 year old resident of Higgins, TX, passed from this life on October 6, 2022.  Gene was born December 31, 1937 to Orval Irvin and Katherine Louise (Kliewer) Ashpaugh in Higgins, TX.  He lived southwest of Gage until junior high and then the family moved southeast of Podunk in Ellis County.  Gene attended Shattuck Elementary and then Arnett High School were he graduated with the class of 1955.  Gene faithfully served our country in the Army from 1963-1965, where he attained the rank of Sergeant E-5.

On June 25, 1960, Gene married Joyce Elna Fitz southwest of Arnett on the Fitz homeplace.  To this union two children were born Marty Gene and Trudy Renae.  In the early 60s, Gene and Joyce lived in Shattuck and in 1965 they moved to Higgins, TX where they resided for the remainder of their lives.  Gene owned and operated a mechanic business.  He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping, water sports, motorcycles.  Gene had his pilot's license and loved to fly airplanes.

Gene was very active in the Higgins Community.  He was the Higgins Fire Chief for more than 15 years.  He served on the Higgins Independent School District school board, city council, American Legion, Higgins Jaycees.  He served as the Lipscomb County commissioner from 2003-2006.  Gene served in many other civic activities in the surrounding area.  He achieved many awards for his civic duties which included Honorary Chapter Farmer from the Higgins FFA, recipient of 7 Who Care Awards which he was nominated by the citizens of Higgins.  Gene lived a good life and he was a believer in God.  He loved spending time with his family and friends.  Gene will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community.

Gene is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Joyce Ashpaugh, parents Orval and Louise Ashpaugh, three brothers Clarence, Floyd and Orval Jr. Ashpaugh, four sisters Lola Boyd, Willa Johnson, Carolyn Chamberlain, and Juanita Herron.

He is survived by his son Marty Ashpaugh and wife Torie of Elk City, OK and daughter Trudy Ashpaugh of Follett, TX; grandchildren Trai Burt and wife Ashley, Stetson Ashpaugh, Caleb Ashpaugh and wife Whitney, Seth Ashpaugh and wife Meghan, and Renae Burt and husband Jimmy Smith; 13 great grandchildren Waylon, Abigail, Sawyer, Jazmin, Kira, Blayne, Hunter, Lannah, Lakely, Kynleigh, Cason, William, and Skylar; one sister LeEtta Appel of Shreveport, LA; many nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hemphill County Hospice.

c/o Shaw Funeral Home

P.O. Box 276

Vici, OK 73859