Robert "Bob" James Higgins
October 1, 1954 ~ August 29, 2023
Bob HigginsAge 68, passed away at his home in Wichita, KS on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.
He was born October 1, 1954, in Wichita, the son of Maurice Joseph and Mary Maxine (Reddick) Higgins. He graduated from Bishop Carroll High School. Following his dad and brother, Tom's footsteps, he worked in Tom's Auto Parts Store. He started his trucking business, and then began his aircraft career at Boeing, and later, Spirit Aerosystems. Bob had many hobbies, including woodworking, home remodeling, cheering on the Nebraska Huskers and Pittsburg Steelers football teams and restoring "Classic" cars. His pride was "The Great One", his GOAT, his 1967 Pontiac GTO.
On December 29, 1979, he married Peggy Leis, at St Anthony Catholic Church in Fowler, KS. She survives.
Other survivors include daughters, Amanda (Adam) Degraffenreid, Caitlyn Higgins; son, Jordan (Emalie) Higgins; grandchildren, Adalynn, Asher, Austin, and Aria Degraffenreid, Blaise and Aurelia Higgins; granddog, "Steve Bolt" Higgins. Brothers include Dan (Susan) Higgins, Steve Higgins; sisters, Marlene Ryan, Lori Couch, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Puz and Tom Higgins.
Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm, Friday, September 1, 2023, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Rosary will be at 10:00am, Funeral Mass at 10:30 am, Saturday, September 2, 2023, both at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Wichita, KS. Inurnment will follow at a later date in Fowler Cemetery, Fowler, KS.
In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome memorials to: St. John Paul II Independent School, PO Box 84, Peck, KS 67120.
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What can I say about Bob? He was my brother by another mother ! I couldn’t even start to share all the wonderful memories I had with Bob. All the late nights we spent working on the GTO, trips to Kedge’s house, playing name that group from radio songs, our Saturday night ritual of a shot of Hot Damn or Peach Schnapps befor I flew out of town on Sunday and so many more! I love you brother and will have a hole in my heart that only you could fill. God speed and rest in peace my brother 🙏❤️
I remember Bob from the late 60’s when he grew up on Arapho Street and I lived on Meadowhaven. We ran into each other at Gene O’Briens Golf Center as teens. I thought he was a blast to hang around with. I think he went to Carroll and I went to West so we parted ways. My sincere condolences to his entire family.
Peggy, I am so sorry to see about your husband, Bob. I have lost touch with you and had no idea about his journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Just an incredible man that was immensely proud of his family. I have so many fond memories of Bob that I’ll cherish for life. Every single time I’d go back to Wichita, I’d look up the street to Bob’s house to see if the garage was open. If it was (and it usually was) I knew I had a friend and lively conversation just footsteps away.
Love you, Bob and family, I’m praying for you all.
Our days on Clifton will never be forgotten. Many, many, many good times. Bob always had a joke, a smile, some crazy comment, and a beer ready for anyone who stopped by. He was fun to be around. I worked on his basement, he worked on my attic. We shot a lot of pool, and had many good talks driving around in his old Chevy, his big dump truck, and then his rebuilt corvette. He was always ready to help anyone who needed it. He was a good man. Rest in Peace Bob!