O'Neal Higginbotham

Opelousas- A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for O’Neal Higginbotham on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Opelousas. Fr. Clint Trahan will celebrate the mass. Rite of Committal will follow in the Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas.
Mr. O’Neal, age 72, a resident of Opelousas, entered into eternal rest on June 18, 2023, at the Heart Hospital of Lafayette surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. O’Neal enjoyed cooking and the thing that follows most of us when we are cooking. He liked being outside in his vegetable garden, riding his motorcycle and cruising along in his cars. He was a dedicated member of the Elks for many years. He loved taking trips, especially to Branson, MS; he and his wife had just recently traveled throughout Europe. 
Mr. O’Neal helped build Dixie Tractor from their sole location in Opelousas into the Progressive Tractor Implement (PTI) with multiple locations throughout Louisiana and Arkansas. He worked there for 45 years, becoming part owner throughout his career.
Mr. O’Neal was a very loved, successful, and generous man. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. 
Mr. O’Neal is survived by his wife, Susan Richard Higginbotham; son, Adam Higginbotham and girlfriend, Lacie Olivier of Opelousas; daughter, Armisha Higginbotham of Opelousas; sister, Helen H. Schexnayder of Arnaudville; brother, Chris Higginbotham, Dean Higginbotham, Albert Higginbotham all of Waxia; grandchildren, Madison Higginbotham Smith and boyfriend, Adam, Malery Armand and Chase Kline; great-granddaughter, Iley Grae Smith.   
Mr. O’Neal is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Marie Doucet Higginbotham; sister, Martha Higginbotham Knott; brother, Allen and Raphael Higginbotham. 
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. in the Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas. An Elks Service will be performed at 6:30 p.m.; the rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. by recited by Deacon Jerome Collins. Visitation will resume on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home.  
Words of Comfort for the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.