Jerry V. Higgins
Born: Sun., Jan. 6, 1935
Died: Wed., Mar. 24, 2010
- Service details not available -
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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.
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Click the button to generate a printable document containing all condolences submitted
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Condolence Booklet
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Martha Williams
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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Mrs. Higgins and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Higgins was my favorite Math teacher. He made math fun and took the extra time to help me when I would have problems. His wonderful personality and the love he had for his students showed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rest in Peace Mr. Higgins. I know you will be telling your jokes in Heaven.
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steve gookins
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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I am very sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Jerry was my critic teacher during my student teaching days in 1967. I considered Jerry a wonderful mentor and friend. I stayed in contact with Jerry for years but for the last 10-12 years I do not stay in touch. We had many good political discussions with him being the good Democrat and me the Republican.
I know he will be missed.
I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve Gookins
Franklin College Grad '67
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karen carpenter
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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My deepest sympathy goes to Mr. Higgins family. He was my 7th grade teacher. I truly enjoyed being one of his students, he was a brillant man.
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Mary D. Marshall
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Mary D. Marshall
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Terry Willey
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Higgins passing. He was one of my teachers in the old Jr. High Bldg. He was the best teacher I
ever had and a very nice person.
My heart goes out to his family.
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Matt Marshall
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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I had the fortunate opportunity to know Mr. Higgins when he was my middle school math teacher and my high school golf coach for four years, (1986-1989).
I loved his sense of humor and stories that always got the point across. My senior year golf team had a lot of characters on the team and he always handled us with care and made sure we stayed in line. In math if I didn't get a concept he would always say, "Ok, try two more times and give up". Of course he would always be there to help.
I'm sorry for your loss as Jerry was a great person and will always be highly regarded.
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wade lewis
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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To the Higgins Family,
I'm sorry for your loss. May the good memories keep him with you and your kids, always.
Wade
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Sheryl Nugent
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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My sympathy to all of Jerry's family and friends.
I taught with him for five years at SJHS. He was a wonderful friend and colleague.
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Cathy Luthman
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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On behalf of my family, I offer prayers and encouragement in the coming days and sympathy for your loss.
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John/Linda Chesser
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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Dear Ellen and Family,
John and I send our deepest sympathy for your loss of a good man. We appreciated the relatively short time we spent with Jerry while teaching at both the old junior high and newer middle school buildings. We loved his stories and his keen wit and regret we were not able to visit with him more often. You all are in our prayers. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
John and Linda Read Chesser
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Charlie Wilgus
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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Ellen I do not know whether you remember me but I worked at A&P and later with Prudential. So sorry for your loss.
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Melinda (Pittman) Voris
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Higgins was one of my favorite teachers. He didn't play favorites with any certain students, we were all his favorites. He will be greatly missed.
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Bill and Mary Fishburn
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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Our sincere sympathy to the Higgins family. Our thought and prayers are with you all.
Bill and Mary Fishburn
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Eric Meyers
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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I had Mr. Jerry V(for victory) Higgins for a teacher at Shelbyville Middle School in the '94-'95 year. He was one of just a handful of teachers that really made an impact on me. There are a couple of things that he would do that I still remember to this day. I always liked it when he would just get down to the brass tacks and just tell you how things were. The other is when he would joke about how he disliked left handed students because they smeared their work. God Bless you Mr. Higgins.
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Sara Jane Bailey Haehl
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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I extend my deepest sympathy to the family in the passing of Jerry. What a wonderful person, husband, father, grandfather, and teacher. I am very fortunate in having known Jerry. He made a positive impact on many peoples' lives. My thoughts and prayers to the family. May God be with all of you. I know Jerry is in His care. May God bless all of you. Sara Jane
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Don & Eden Thompson
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Posted Fri March 26, 2010
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Dear Ellen and family,
We were saddened to learn of Jerry's passing. Jerry has been a friend of our family for many decades. What a wonderful man who represented all that is good in mankind. Jerry was a devoted teacher, public servant and friend. We appreciated all the times he visited with our parents in their declining years. As Shakespeare once said, "Here was a man!", a gentleman who left a wonderful legacy to all who came into contact with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Don & Eden Thompson
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Rhonda Fitzgerald Barnett
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Posted Sat March 27, 2010
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Dear the Higgins Family.
The world lost a great sweet man this week but heaven gained an superior angel. I have my own memory of Mr. Higgins and a smile comes across my face everytime I think of him. May God be with you all during this very difficult time.
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Charity Scott Powell
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Posted Sat March 27, 2010
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Ellen & Family,
You can imagine all of the fond memories I have of Jerry...not only as a teacher, but as a neighbor. He always had a kind word and a smile for me (and usually tossed in a good joke or two). He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Affectionately,
Charity
Let me hear of your unfailing love in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer. ~ Psalm 143:8
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Donna Sue & Bryan Toll
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Posted Sat March 27, 2010
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Dear Ellen & family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss and we are thinking of you.
We were class-mates for many years.
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Sparky Cotanch
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Posted Sat March 27, 2010
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He was one of my favorite teachers. A gifted man who showed great interest for his students. Forever friendly, I can see him now wiping his glasses and hearing his distinct voice. God bless him and his family. SHS graduate 1970 and two years at Franklin College.
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Judy(Best)Hittle
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Posted Sat March 27, 2010
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Ellen and family..What a lost of such a wonderful husband,father and friend i am sure he will be missed more then words can say. To say I am sorry for your lost is not enough, so therefore all of you will be in my prayers.It has been a joy to know both of you and your family.
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ronnie mohr
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Posted Sun March 28, 2010
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Dear Ellen,
On behalf of all the Mohr
family, we offer our condolences
and deepest sympathy for the loss
of Jerry.
Ronnie, Jeleyne, Joe,Gordon,
Linda, Paul, and Sara.
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andi balting burch
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Posted Sun March 28, 2010
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my thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Higgins family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
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RT GALLAGHER
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Posted Mon March 29, 2010
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The Gallagher Family would like to extend our deepests sympathy for your loss.Jerry was a great leader and friend to all.Many great Higgins memories growing up through out the years.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. RT and family
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Karen Parks
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Posted Mon March 29, 2010
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With love and sympathy,
Sheldon and Karen Parks
and
Elsie DeBaun
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Lisa Settles
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Posted Tue March 30, 2010
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Mr Higgins was one of those teachers that you never forget. I do not remember alot of my teachers from High School but he is one that truly was gifted that often passed through my thoughts even after being out of school for 20 years. I have fond memories of him and will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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Doug and Beth Parks & Family
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Posted Thu April 01, 2010
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
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Aaron Lawson
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Posted Mon April 05, 2010
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My condolences to Mr. Higgins' family. I was both a student of Mr. Higgins and a classmate of his daughter, Lynn. I am very sad to hear of his passing and you are in my thoughts.
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Diana Harness
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Posted Mon May 03, 2010
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He was a strong influence and positive influence on many students. He has a wonderful family that is evident of of his influence for life and politics.
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