Donald G. Higgins

Donald G. Higgins, of Springfield, died at 6:45 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2008 at Memorial Medical Center. Donald was born on July 21, 1929 in Kokomo, IN, the son of Murrell W. and June Elizabeth Yeagy Higgins. He married Constance M. McPhail on August 23, 1958 in Kokomo, IN. 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 Masters 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. Preceding Donald in death were his parents, Murrell and June; his grandson, Kelle Davis; and his granddaughter, Erin Davis. Donald is survived by his wife, Constance; his son, Chris (wife, Nickie) Higgins of Springfield; his daughters, Jennie (husband, Mike) Davis of Springfield and Sue (husband, Jeff) Irving of Aurora, CO; his grandchildren, Chelsea, Zach, Noah, Elijah, and Xander Davis of Springfield, Jason Irving of Aurora, CO, Ryan, Riley, Eli Higgins of Springfield and grandson-to-be, Ethan Higgins of Springfield; his sister, Marilyn (husband, Charles) Harlan of Kokomo, IN; his brother Dr. Jack (wife, Charlotte) Higgins of Spearfish, SD; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2008 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.