Arthur Payne Higby

Arthur Payne Higby, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his wife and daughters after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 63 years old.

Arthur was born on June 6, 1962, in Corvallis, Oregon to Edwin Allen Higby and Mary Wight. He was the second eldest among his siblings and is survived by Edwin Allen Higby II, Mary Anne Higby, Kathleen Elizabeth Higby, Charles Frederick Higby, Harry Austin Higby, and John William Higby. He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Allen Higby.

Throughout his childhood, Arthur lived in Idaho, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Utah before settling in Arizona at the age of 17. While growing up in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Arthur showed remarkable promise in football, with a bright future ahead of him before family circumstances and a move out of state changed his path.

Arthur was adventurous from a young age and found peace in nature. He loved exploring the woods and mountains with his dog and .22 rifle, often spending days immersed in the outdoors and living off the land. His deep respect and love for Mother Earth remained with him throughout his life. He later shared that love of nature with his grandchildren through hiking, fishing, and outdoor adventures that created lasting memories for all who knew him.

At the age of 17, Arthur met the love of his life, Jennifer Jo Nelson, at a church dance in Arizona. Their love story continued as Arthur later served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Micronesia Guam. Upon his return, Arthur and Jennifer were married on November 9, 1985, and were later sealed in the Arizona Temple on March 11, 1987.

Arthur leaves behind a lasting legacy through his four daughters: Jessica Lynn Higby; Elizabeth Jo Higby and her spouse, Robert Steven Bentley; Victoria Virginia Higby and her spouse, Jershon Jacob Alamoni Siale; and Annaliese Marie Higby and her spouse, Chad David Miller. He was also the proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to his life.

Arthur built a hardworking career in masonry and underground mining, traveling throughout the United States helping build and sink shaft mines. He was known for his strength, dedication, and willingness to provide for his family through honest and demanding work. Eventually, pancreatic cancer forced him into retirement, but his determination and faith never wavered.

Those who knew Arthur will remember his adventurous spirit, his love for family, his unwavering faith, and the quiet strength he carried throughout his life. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1430 N. Recker Road, Mesa, AZ 85205. This gathering will be held in lieu of formal funeral services.

The family kindly asks that guests RSVP to Jennifer Higby at 602-989-1379. Adults only, please. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.