Eugene Arthur Higgins

On January 11, 2012, EUGENE ARTHUR HIGGINS of the District of Columbia. Born in 1928 in Indianapolis, IN. His government career included over 30 years as an attorney for the Federal Trade Commission. Beloved husband of Helen Schrider Higgins; devoted father of Jean Harris (Jimmy), Michael Higgins, John Higgins (Kathy), Mary Higgins (Jay Townsend), Anne McMahon (William), Paul Higgins (Rose), Peter Higgins (Kathy Gray), Susan Reeves (John) and Clare Morton (Michael); brother of Richard Higgins, David Higgins and Patricia Berne; grandfather of 13. Relatives and friends are invited to call at JOSEPH GAWLER'S SONS, INC. 5130 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. (corner of Harrison St.), Washington, DC on Monday, January 16, 2012 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Shrine of The Most Blessed Sacrament, Western Ave. and Quesada St. N.W., Washington, DC on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities or Christ Child Society.

Eugene A. Higgins, who had been a senior attorney for the Federal Trade Commission, died January 11th at the Washington Center for Aging. He was 83. He had suffered from cardiac disease for over a decade and his general health had taken a decline over the last year.

Mr. Higgins was born in Indianapolis, IN to Edward and Esther Higgins. He was a scholar athlete at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. He was awarded a football scholarship to Marquette University and later transferred to Catholic University where he played football, was a member of the boxing team and studied economics. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army, 82 Airborne Division. He completed his law degree at American University and was inducted into the Washington Bar in 1956. During his law studies, he was employed in the Capitol Hill Police. At the Federal Trade Commission, he investigated anti-trust and other fair trade cases from the mid 1950’s through the late 1980’s. Throughout his academic and professional career, he was dedicated to principles of fairness and justice in American government and business.

Mr. Higgins met his wife, Helen Schrider, on the campus of Catholic University. They married in 1955. He was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife Helen Schrider Higgins; his nine children: Jeannie Harris (Jim), Michael Higgins, John Higgins (Kathy Schultz), Mary Higgins (Jay Townsend), Anne McMahon (Bill), Paul Higgins (Rose), Peter Higgins (Kathy Gray), Susan Reeves (John), Clare Morton (Mike); brothers: Richard and David; sister Patricia Berne; and his 13 grandchildren.

Mr. Higgins was an accomplished outdoorsman. He enjoyed bird hunting on the Eastern Shore and fishing on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He was an avid collector of antiques, books, and Americana. He took great pleasure in sharing his knowledge and experiences with family, friends and all.

Arrangements under the direction of Joseph Gawler's Sons Inc., Washington, DC.