Donald James Higgins

Donald James “Sarge” Higgins, age 81, of Toledo, Ohio, died Tuesday, December 24, 2013, at Arbors of Waterville. He was born May 22, 1932, in Buckingham, Ohio, to Vance M. and Gertrude C. (Schroeder) Higgins. A graduate of Libbey High School, Donald joined the United States Marine Corps in November 1949 and served on active duty until 1952. He later joined the United States Air Force where he received the United States Air Force Commendation Medal while serving with the 180th Tactical Fighter Group. He was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Ohio Carpenters #1350, and the American Legion Holland Post #646. Donald was employed as a Foreman for Scholz Homes and later retired from Adam Wholesalers. He is survived by his son, Daryl H. Higgins; step-daughter, Beverly A. Schneider; step-grandson, David M. Schneider and his sister, Mary G. Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vance and Gertrude; wife, Paula E. (Covert) Higgins; brother, Ralph M. Higgins and sisters, Ruth C. Werner, Audrey M. Walk and H. Roberta St. Clair. Family and friends will be received on Monday, December 30, 2013, from 11:00-1:00 PM in Neville Funeral Home, Southwest Chapel, 7438 Airport Highway in Holland (419-865-8879) where funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM with Pastor Dennis King officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Ohio. The family suggests memorial contributions in Donald’s name be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75817, Topeka, Kansas 66675.