Jerry V. Higgins, 75, died Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at Heritage House Convalescent Center.

Born Jan. 6, 1935, in Shelbyville, he was the son of Melvin E. and Evelyn M. (Snyder) Higgins. He married Ellen Gurley, and she survives.

Other survivors include daughters, Dawn Higgins, Lynn (husband, Craig) Fishburn and Anne (husband, Rich) DeBaun, all of Indianapolis, and Beth (husband, Tim) Barr of Shelbyville; sons, Jay Higgins of Indianapolis and Jon Higgins of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Maria, Levi, Sam, Brandon, Nicole, Steven, Whitney, Zac, Ellen and Emmie; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wilbur Higgins Sr. and Robert Higgins; and a sister, Norma Oaks.

Mr. Higgins received his bachelor's degree from Franklin College and his master's degree from Indiana University.

He taught at Triton Central High School from 1959 to 1963 and at Shelbyville Middle School from 1963 to 1972 and from 1975 to 1996 11and retired from teaching in 1996.

Mr. Higgins was a member of the Shelbyville Common Council from 1968 to 1972 and from 1980 to 1992 and served as mayor of Shelbyville from 1972 to 1976, continuing to teach during the final year of his mayoral term.

He was a member of Eagles Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 766, Elks No. 1307 as a life member, Masons Westport and Shelbyville F&AM Lodge No. 28 for 29 years and Scottish Rite.

Mr. Higgins was a member of First Christian Church.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. today at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service and Crematory, 703 S. Harrison St.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Nathan Wilson officiating.

Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Higgins Family Teacher Development Fund in care of the Blue River Community Foundation, 54 W. Broadway St., Suite 1, Shelbyville, IN 46176, or to First Christian Church, 118 W. Washington St., Shelbyville IN 46176.

On online guest book may be signed at www.murphy-parks.com.