Richard Higgs

Richard C. Higgs, age 91, of Kentwood, MI, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, August 20, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann; brother, Arden Higgs. He will be greatly missed by his children, Sue Higgs of Battle Creek, Pat Miller and Mary Tener of Easley, SC, John (Mary Bridget) Higgs of Caledonia. He was a loving grandfather to John (Kelly) Higgs, Bridget (Eric) Eklund, Michael Higgs, Maegan (Neil) Van Solkema, Reed (Susan) Miller; and great-grandfather to Kaleigh, Penelope, Hazel, Maura, and Fiona. Richard was born in Grand Rapids on January 18, 1923 to Herman and Bernice Higgs. He then moved to Cedar Springs, where he was raised by his grandmother, and he graduated valedictorian of his high school class. He was a gifted student and athlete, graduated from Hope College, where he met his wife, Ann. He served in the Marine Corp during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War, finishing his career as a Colonel. He worked as a teacher, principal and later administrator in the Byron Center, Allegan, Portage and St. Joseph school districts. After retiring from a lifetime in education, he became Friend of the Court for Allegan County for the next ten years. His family and athletics were his true passions, where he was a successful husband, father and coach. After retirement, Richard served on the Kentwood School Board, and worked with Allegan Friend of the Court. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 3 PM at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Kentwood) 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE with Pastor Mike Baynai officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family from 6-8 PM Friday, August 22, 2014 at the funeral home. Interment Ft. Custer National Cemetery.