Edwin J. Higgins

Edwin James “Ed” Higgins, passed away in Houston, Texas on Friday, the 5th of August 2011, at the age of 83. He was born on April 25th, 1928 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to William Henry and Agnes Pauline (Josserand) Higgins. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Charles Thomas; sister, Mary Claire; and son, Robert Howard “Bobby” Higgins.

Ed served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the latter years of World War II.

Years of drafting training prepared Ed for a career as a draftsman in the petroleum industry which he began at Philips Petroleum in 1950 where he became a Senior Draftsman. In 1956 he moved to the original Austral Oil Company where he achieved the role of Chief Drafting supervisor. While at Austral Oil, Ed was the first draftsman to be accepted into the Petroleum Club of Houston, and the first draftsman to be given a company car.

He went on to work for other companies such as WL Tidwell & Associates and Partners (Daniel) Oil Company before retiring. In retirement, Ed sharpened his talent for precise artistry by crafting amazing restorations of antique furniture. He was proud of the recognition he received from peers and customers for the beautiful quality of his work.

Ed is survived by his wife of 30 years, Norma; four sons from his first marriage; John L. Higgins and wife, Holly; James R. Higgins and wife, Betty; David L. Higgins; and Thomas Q. Higgins; grandchildren, Jason, Kendall, Nora, Joshua, Gina, and Austin Higgins.

The family will receive friends for viewing from 11:30am until 12:30pm Tuesday August 9, 2011 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. A closed casket funeral service will follow at 12:30pm.

Due to the excessive outdoor temperatures, there will be no graveside service.