Published: April 29, 2008 11:39 pm      

Donald G. Higgins

July 21, 1929 - April 28, 2008

Donald G. Higgins, Springfield, Ill., died at 6:45 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2008, at Memorial Medical Center. Donald was born on July 21, 1929, in Kokomo, the son of Murrell W. and June Elizabeth Yeagy Higgins. He married Constance M. McPhail on Aug. 23, 1958, in Kokomo.

Donald graduated from Kokomo High School in 1947 before serving his country in the Navy between 1954 and 1956. After which he earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and his master’s from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Donald served as an administrator for State of Illinois Department of Public Health before retiring in 1992.

Donald spent time as a youth soccer and softball coach as well as bring a volunteer leader with the Boy Scouts. When he wasn’t volunteering at the Sangamon Auditorium, he enjoyed reading and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Donald will be remembered as a generous, family-oriented man whose perfectionism led him to great things.

Donald is survived by his wife, Constance; his son, Chris and wife Nickie Higgins, Springfield; his daughters, Jennie and husband Mike Davis, Springfield, and Sue and husband Jeff Irving, Aurora, Colo.; his grandchildren, Chelsea, Zach, Noah, Elijah and Xander Davis, Springfield, Jason Irvin, Aurora, Colo., Ryan, Riley, Eli Higgins, Springfield; and grandson-to-be, Ethan Higgins, Springfield; his sister, Marilyn and husband Charles Harlan, Kokomo; his brother, Dr. Jack and wife Charlotte Higgins Spearfish, S.D.; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding Donald in death were his parents, Murrell and June; his grandson, Kelle Davis; and his granddaughter, Erin Davis.

Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following visitation.

Memorial contributions can be made to Autism Society of America – Central Illinois Chapter, PO Box 8781, Springfield, IL 62791; or Boy Scouts of America, Abraham Lincoln Council, Fairhills Mall, PO Box 7125, Springfield, IL 62791.

Please visit Donald’s online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.