Sgt. Paul Hignite

Sgt. Paul Eugene Hignite, 67, died peacefully surrounded by his friends and family on February 22, 2017. 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. Paul was born December 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 US Army service in Vietnam. After boot camp, he furthered his skills in Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) before deployment in 1968. Upon return, Paul traveled the U.S. and spent years shrimping in the Gulf of Mexico, even outrunning hurricane Carmine in 1974 by boat. 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. Paul was a brave and loyal soldier and a loving husband. 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 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. 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. Service is set for 11 a.m. Monday, February 27 at The Ridge Church in Pea Ridge. Arrangements are by Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge. Visitation will be from 2-4 Sunday, February 26 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Pea Ridge Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome.net.