Thomas Donald “Tom” Higgins
Thomas Donald “Tom” Higgins
Independence
Thomas Donald “Tom” Higgins, 83 years old, of Independence, IA, died of natural causes, Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.
Visitation was Sunday, November 10, 2024, at White Funeral Home, Independence.
Funeral Services were 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 11, 2024, at White Funeral Home, Independence. Private burial was in the St. John Catholic Cemetery, Independence.
Tom was born February 27, 1941, in Independence, IA, the oldest son of Donald Francis Higgins and Cora H. (Eastman) Higgins. He graduated from St. John Catholic High School in Independence with the Class of 1959. On February 27, 1965, he was united in marriage to Candace Ann Hatfield in Independence, at St. John Catholic Church. The couple made their home in Colorado, but soon realized home was always in Independence. They moved back to Independence and raised their family. Tom was a member of the Iowa National Guard and worked as a mechanic, farmer, and a tradesman over the years; however, he was most notably known for being the local grave digger. He knew the local cemeteries like the back of his hand – and being born and raised in Independence, he personally knew nearly all the families he helped over the years.
Tom was a jack of all trades and tinkered on anything he could get his hands on. He was a Green Bay Packers fan, gun enthusiast, and a car lover – that liked to drive fast!! Tom loved his family, and always looked forward to spending time with his grandkids. He was a member of the Wapsipinicon Snowmobile Association, National Tractor Pull Association, and St. John Catholic Church.
Tom is survived by his wife, Candace Higgins of Independence; two sons, Christopher (Julie) Higgins of Green Bay, WI, Andrew (Tonya) Higgins of Independence; one daughter, Kimberly (Dante) Estevez of Independence; 11 grandchildren and step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; three brothers, Vince Higgins of Winthrop, IA, Michael (Kathleen) Higgins of Ocean City, MD, Ronald (Mary) Higgins of Weldona, CO; one sister, Mary (Eldon) Breitbach of Marion, IA; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Jase Higgins; one brother, Samuel Higgins; and his nephews, Jeff, Cameron, and Danny Higgins.
Memorials to the family.
Arrangements by White Funeral Home, Independence.