R.I.P.: Springfield MO Radio/TV Broadcaster Jerry Higley

Jerry Higley (undated photo)

The first anchor of KY3 News at 6, when the station went on the air in 1953, died on Monday morning.

Jerry Higley was 92 years old, according to ky3.com.

Higley was one of the first 20 employees hired by the Cox family in 1953 as the planning and construction of KYTV was underway.   He was in the news department along with news director Dick Heinline, weathercaster and program director Carl Fox, sports anchor Don Payton, and 10 p.m. newscast anchor Dave Estes.

Higley began his broadcast career at radio station KWOC in Poplar Bluff.  Soon, he became a DJ and then program director for Springfield radio station KGBX in the '60s and '70s.

Higley is remembered for his quick and sardonic wit.  He was always ready with a joke, even in his final days.