Samuel R. Higgins

BREITBACH, EASTMAN, HIGGINS

Posted By: Cindy Marshall (email)
Date: 12/2/2021 at 18:49:09

Samuel R. Higgins, 72, of Independence, IA died on Saturday June 19, 2021 at his home in Independence.

Sam was born on August 10, 1948, in Independence, IA the son of Donald F. and Cora H. (Eastman) Higgins. He attended the Independence Community Schools and graduated with the class of 1967. He enlisted into the United States Navy in 1967 and served proudly until 1969. Sam made his home in Independence after the service and worked at the Foundry at John Deere in Waterloo, IA. He worked there and was a member of the UAW 838 for thirty-one years. He retired in 2004. In 1987 Sam purchased Pat’s Tap in Independence, and he loved sharing stories with the many people that stopped in throughout the years. He owned the Tap until 1995.

He enjoyed spending time outdoors. He loved to spend time working in his yard, gardening, and growing popcorn for his neighbors and friends. Sam and his friends often went fishing, and some of his best stories came from those trips.

Sam is survived by his son, Shane (Shari) Higgins, Nevada, IA, his grandchildren, Jack, Grant, Ella, Alec, and Drew Higgins, four brothers, Tom (Candace) Higgins, Independence, IA, Vince Higgins, Winthrop, IA, Mike (Kathleen) Higgins, Ocean City, MD, Ron (Mary Ellen) Higgins, Weldona, CO, a sister Maggie (Eldon) Breitbach, Marion, IA, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Cora Higgins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on June 25, 2021, at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence, IA with Rev. David Beckman Presiding. Burial will be held at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Independence. Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 8 PM on Thursday June 24, 2021, at the Reiff Family Center - Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence. A Rosary will be said at 4:40 PM on Thursday.