CHARLESTON – Henry Albert “Bud” Higgins, 87, passed away Feb. 15, 2009, with his wife and family at his side at his home, after a long illness. He was born April 13, 1921, in Charleston, son of Stanley and Marjorie (Chandler) Higgins. Henry was a 50-year member of Olive Branch Lodge No. 124, AF & AM, Charleston. He started his own grain business in 1952, and added spreading and fertilizing in 1960. The business continued to grow and he added a store, which became a community gathering spot where many great topics were discussed. The purchase of a camp on Sebec Lake in 1966 proved to be one of his greatest enjoyments in life. He spent many hours on his front porch watching his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family, which brought great joy to his life. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 68 years, Shirley F. Higgins; a son, Robert S. Higgins and wife, Lorraine P. Higgins, of Charleston; three grandchildren, Lois-Ann Gleeson and her husband, Peter, of Cape Elizabeth, Robert H. Higgins and his wife, Trisha, of Charleston and Julie Purvis and her husband, Mark, of Charleston; seven great-grandchildren, Sarah and Thomas Gleeson, Emily, Samantha and Chase Higgins, James and Hailey Purvis; several nieces and nephews, and many special friends that he made throughout the years. Bud was predeceased by his twin brother, Charles “Shine” Higgins; a brother, Norman Higgins; and a sister, Muriel Higgins. The family gives a special thanks to the wonderful ladies at hospice, Pam, Bridget, Jessica and Michelle, who gave him such loving care in his final days. Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Charleston Pentecostal Church, where funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Ronald E. Libby and Pastor Matthew Ward officiating. Spring burial will be at Charleston Village Cemetery. The family invites relatives and friends to join them after the service in the church fellowship hall for a time of remembrance and reflection. Those who wish may make donations in Bud’s memory to Souls Harbor Ministry, P.O. Box 275, Corinth, ME 04427 or Hospice of Dover-Foxcroft, 14 Summer St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426. Arrangements are by Thompson Funeral Home, 17 Hudson Road, Corinth.
HENRY A. ‘BUD’ HIGGINS
