Daniel Lee Higgins

Daniel Lee Higgins was born April 4, 1934 in Pueblo, CO and passed to his eternal home on November 26, 2016. His parents were Allen and Veldene (Downey) Higgins. Dan survived childhood after being stricken by polio, hit by a dump truck and kicked by a mule. He served 4 years in the Air Force, one of those years at a radar site in Labrador. Dan attended Western State College in Gunnison, CO, graduating with a Master’s degree, the first in his family to graduate from college. He taught school for 7 years before going to work for cement manufacturing company, where he worked for 28 years, retiring in December 1995. His career took the family from Colorado to Tennessee, North Carolina, and finally, Washington.

Dan is survived by Betty Lou, the high school sweetheart to whom he was married for 63 years; his son, Dennis (Laurie); his daughter, Denise (David) Tharp; grandchildren, Derek (Jenna), William (Elizabeth) and Sydney Higgins, Danielle (John) D’Eugenio and Dustin Tharp; and great-grandchildren, Finleigh and Dylan. He had a strong faith in God, loved his family, and demonstrated continuous spiritual growth. Dan never complained or had an unkind word. He was a loyal friend and a true gentleman.

Contributions in Dan’s memory can be made to the Chaplaincy at Hospice House (2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336) or the Columbia Community Church (C3) Building Fund.

A Celebration of Life of Dan’s life will be held at a later date.