Richard Higgins
Urbandale
Richard "Dick" Higgins, 92, passed away in his sleep February 17, 2013 at Arbor Springs. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 20, at 11 a.m. at Windsor United Methodist Church, 6222 University Avenue in Des Moines. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 19 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Care, 7975 University Blvd, Clive.
Richard was born December 15, 1920 in Burlington, Iowa. After high school, Richard attended the University of Iowa where he graduated with a degree in business. After graduation, Richard joined the Army Air Corps. Because of his business degree, the Army Air Corps armed Richard with a typewriter. He worked preparing maps for bombing runs on Japan, and was stationed on Tinian. He mapped the Enola Gay to Japan for the first atomic bomb attack.
After the war, Richard returned to Iowa and initially worked at Schaffer Pen in Fort Madison, Iowa. Richard married his wife, Lois June Mumaw Higgins on June 30, 1948, and they had five children, Rick, Doug, Pat, Beth and Barb.
Since his college days at the University of Iowa, Richard has been a huge Hawkeye fan. For more than 20 years he and Lois traveled to all the home football games, bowl games and a couple away games every year.
Since the late 1960's Richard has managed Standard Oil stations in Des Moines. The first station was located at East 14th and Euclid. Later, in the early 1970's he moved the station to Merle Hay and Douglas. Richard's sons, Rick and Pat, were co-owners and managers at the service station. Since 2010, the station is located at 7425 Douglas in Urbandale.
Richard is survived by his wife, Lois; sister, Mary Elizabeth Anderson of Hastings, Nebraska; five children; seven grandchildren; and three great-grand children.
Memorials may be made to Windsor United Methodist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lois, Rick, Doug, Pat, Beth and Barb.
My sympathy at your loss.
Lois, I was the ICARE lady. I loved being with you and your family. YOu took us to Ia Cty for a tailgate. What memories. God take care of you all. Edie Sladek
Edith (Edie Sladek
February 21, 2013
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. You have always been so kind to me in my point of need (with cars!) and although i didnt know your dad, i am sure he would be so so proud of you all! My prayers are with you!
Rhonda Brown
February 20, 2013
Beth: We were sorry to read of Dick's passing. You and your family are in our prayers. Sorry I am not in town to work the service. Dick
February 20, 2013
I was an occasional customer of Dick and his sons at the station on Merle Hay and Douglas, where they took care of me in several emergency situations on weekends; I always knew that when I went there I could count on an honest assessment of my problem and getting my car taken care of as soon as they were able.
In late 2010, I remarried, having been widowed several years earlier. I just found out that my wife, Henrietta Klarenbeek, was Dick's pastor and she has very fond memories of their connection when she was at Windsor in the late 90's (and of the way they took care of her as a customer, also).
One other thought...I remember that Dick and his sons hired several employees from another station that closed unexpectedly (and, because it was close to my house, I knew several of the employees). I never knew whether the employees hired after the other station closed were hired to fill actual vacancies in the Higgins' station or if they simply created positions for them (I suspect a bit of both.), but I do know that Dick and his sons found some very loyal and capable employees!
Mike Coveyou
February 20, 2013
Dick was a trusted businessman, a family friend, and a wonderful mentor. He has left a great legacy, and memories of Dick will be cherished and fondly remembered.
George Davison
February 20, 2013
Lois, and family I'm sorry to hear about Richard, many good family memories.
Linda Schwenker-Rosa
February 19, 2013
My husband, Bill, so enjoyed his interactions with Richard--mostly about the model cars, etc. Richard was always so cordial to both of us. I remember him with a smile. My condolences to Dick and to all of Richard's family.
Barbara Cochrane
February 19, 2013
Bethany, I am so sorry about your dad. I'll keep you in my prayers.
joni
Joni Moline
February 19, 2013
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