Harry Higgs

Harry T. Higgs, of Peoria, began his journey to heaven at 5:15 p.m. on Friday, October 26th, at the age of 75. His loving wife and family were with him when he took his last breath. He was born on March 27, 1937, to Clara Styer and Tharel Higgs. They preceded him in death. On October 4, 1958, he married the love of his life and best friend, Marjorie A. Morris. They felt very blessed to be able to celebrate 54 years together. He is survived by his beautiful bride, Marj, along with their four children. Lisa, the oldest, is married to Randy Mercer and they have two children, Randal, Jr. (R.J.) and Marissa. (Harry and Randy had a very special relationship. Randy was Dad's son, and they loved each other very much!) The next child is Trina Coyle whose son, Jesse, is married to Alyssa and has the only great-grandchild, Savannah. Next is Harry, Jr. and his wife, Karla and their son, Harry, III (H.T.). And last, but certainly not least, is the youngest, Timothy and his companion, Vikki and her daughter, Natalie. Dad also leaves behind his best friend, Jim Evans, as well as his precious puppy and faithful companion, Remington. Harry graduated from Woodruff High School in 1956. He was an outstanding athlete competing in football, basketball, and track and field. The sport that he is remembered for the most is football, his favorite! Harry's teammates gave him the nicknames "Horse" and "Hog" because he dug down deep and gave it his all in order to score a touchdown. There are many stories about how many players Dad had on his back when he crossed the goal line. He was a starting fullback on the undefeated team in 1955 coached by Virgil Boucher. This was the first undefeated season in Woodruff's 18-year history. Dad was the only central Illinois player chosen to be on the 33-man Champaign News-Gazette All State team in 1955. He was also named to the Chicago Daily News' 1st team as fullback, as well as the All Northern Illinois team. Additionally, Dad was honored to be on the All City team as fullback and linebacker in 1954, and he was the unanimous choice in 1955 for this same award. Harry and the team were inducted into the Woodruff Athletic Hall of Fame, and the team was inducted into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame. Harry was a semi-truck driver for 30 years driving locally but mostly over the road for McLean Trucking, Advance Transportation and ABF. After retirement he worked as an usher at the Peoria Civic Center and also delivered caskets for Hoffman Burial Supplies. The most important thing in Harry's life was his wife and family. He was a very loving husband and father and worked very hard to provide us with a wonderful life. Sports always remained a part of Dad's life. He coached JFL, Biddy Basketball, and Pony League baseball for several years. He and his wife, daughters, son-in-law, and grandson (R.J.) were the chain crew for Peoria High School football for many years. He loved the Cardinals, Chicago Bulls, and Bradley basketball. But most of all, he was a die-hard Chicago Bears fan. He also enjoyed visiting Florida, Las Vegas and the Par-A-Dice, as well as going to movies and fishing with his family. Dad had several health issues throughout his life that affected his heart, esophagus, and lungs. Rheumatoid arthritis severely crippled his hands and feet but it never stopped him. In the end it was complications from pulmonary fibrosis that ended his life. But he never would have made it as long as he did without the strength and courage that God blessed him with, as well as the excellent and loving care and encouragement from his devoted wife. Dad and his family would like to thank Dr. Brian Cohen and Dr. Karamchandani, as well as Methodist Medical Center ER, 7 Crescent nursing staff, ICU nursing staff, Methodist Hospice, and his special friends Bill, Richie, and Sarah from Barnato's Pharmacy. We are forever grateful for your excellent care and compassion. Harry was a member of St. Philomena Church. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the church on Monday, October 29th, with a Memorial Mass immediately following with Fr. David Richardson. Cremation rights have been accorded. To honor Harry, the family would love it if you would wear any kind of Bear's clothing. Marjorie and her family would like you to join them for a light supper at Avanti's North after Mass. In appreciation for the outstanding, compassionate care Harry received, memorials can be made to the Methodist College of Nursing, 415 St. Mark Court, Peoria, IL 61603. Additional memorials can be made to St. Philomena Church. Harry, Dad, Pa, you were the greatest! We love you and will miss you very much and we pray that God is a Bears fan!