Dennis Dean Higgins

Dennis Dean Higgins, 84, of Jefferson City, passed away peacefully, Friday, November 3, 2023, at Capital Region Medical Center, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 4, 1939, a son of the late Omar and Irene (Englebrecht) Higgins. On April 13, 1966, in Jefferson City, Dennis was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Schnieders.
Dennis attended Trinity Lutheran Grade School and was a 1957 graduate of Jefferson City High School. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1958 as a right-handed relief pitcher. He played in their farm league until being called up in 1966 for his major league debut. He went on to play for the Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians, and ended his career in 1972 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Upon his return to Jefferson City, he was founder and owner of Central Missouri Athletics (CMA) until retiring in 2007. He was entered into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on April 14, 2013. He was a member of the Eagles Club, St. Joseph Cathedral, and Major League Baseball Alumni. Dennis enjoyed golfing, hunting, horseback riding and playing cards with his friends and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He was a loving father to his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his sons: Scott Higgins, Jay Higgins (Monica), Wes Higgins (Tricia); daughter, Amy Berhorst (Eric); grandchildren, Jack Higgins, Caroline Higgins, Cole Higgins, Drew Higgins, Ryan Bounds, Taylor Yoakum (Ian), Morgan Higgins, Riley Higgins, Glenn Berhorst and Mallory Berhorst, great-grandson Levi Yoakum, sister, Cheryl Sloan (Steve). He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Ruth Ann, brother Gerald Higgins and sister Diane Higgins.
Friends will be received on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 3:15 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Cathedral of St. Joseph on Friday, November 10, at 1:30 p.m. with Father Chris Cordes officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to The Special Olympics of Missouri.
Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.