John David “Dave” Higgins, 82, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2021 in the comforts of his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on September 13, 1938 in Mount Carmel, the son of C.S. and Tura (Foster) Higgins. On April 21, 1957 he married Elaine Beth Wilson and together they enjoyed sixty-one years of marriage until her passing on December 16, 2018.
Dave graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1956. He graduated from Oklahoma University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Geology Degree. He worked thirty-one years in the oil industry with H & H Oil Company, Birdwell-Division of Seismograph Service and was a partner in Small & Higgins, Inc. Golf was Dave’s passion. With that passion, love of the game and a lot of determination, he received certification in Field of Golf Instruction from the United States Golf Teachers Federation in 1999. He was best in his class for teaching the proper way to swing a golf club, build golf clubs (fittings) and also repairs. Dave owned and operated Genesis Golf where he taught classes, made custom golf clubs and offered repairs for his golf buddies around Wabash County. He was a member of the Mount Carmel Men’s Golf Club, Mount Carmel Elks Lodge #715 and the Oil and Gas Association. He had a love for animals, most especially his little dog Min. Dave will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him.
David leaves behind his son, Michael Higgins of Evansville, IN; three daughters, Angela Lofton and husband Joe of Allendale, IL, Sandra Higgins of Mount Carmel, Debbie Terrell and husband Billy of Grayville, IL; five grandchildren, Timothy Lofton, Tura Buchanan, Steven Eagan, Heather Southwood and Wendi Terrell; seven great-grandchildren;
In addition to his beloved wife, Elaine, David was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bobby Higgins, T O Higgins and nephew, Jim Higgins.
Family and friends may gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 13, 2021 in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. Social distancing, wearing of face coverings and use of hand sanitizer is recommended.
Memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to Wabash County Animal Shelter Buddies and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home 1500, North Cherry Street, Mt. Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view David’s tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the Higgins family, please visit www.KeepesFuneralHome.com.
