Kenneth R. Higginbotham

KENNETH R. HIGGINBOTHAM passed away peacefully on Sunday May 11, 2025. He is the son of the late George Luther and Hannah Bell Barnett Higginbotham of Red House, WV. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his siblings: Clarence O. "Lefty", James L "Preacher", Carl W., and E. Carrolene Rollins.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Janice L. Woodrum Higginbotham; children: Jennifer Fleming and Kevin Higginbotham (Teresa) of Culloden, WV; siblings: Robert L. (Deak) of Eleanor, WV, Marvin E. (Betty) of Red House, WV, Clayton E. (Pete) of Cross Lanes, WV, and Naomi R. Lanier (Chuck) of Pt. Pleasant, WV. Kenneth was blessed to have 3 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Kenneth was born one of nine children at home on June 27, 1937, in Red House, WV. He graduated from Poca High School in 1955 and attended Morris Harvey College on a four-year football scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959. Kenneth earned a Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling at the University of South Florida and a Master's degree in School Administration and Supervision at Stetson University in Florida.
Spanning 26 years in Florida and West Virginia, Ken ended his work in education as the Superintendent of Putnam County Schools in West Virginia in 1985. For his final 34 years Ken was involved in various businesses in the Kanawha Valley. He was most proud of forming Aluminum Metalworks where he worked for over 30 years as an Owner and Operator.
Growing up on a farm, Ken enjoyed the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing with family and friends. He cheered on all West Virginia sports his favorite love, football.
Family was always very important, it came first. Ken loved meeting people and was a wonderful storyteller. In all aspects of his life he was a true leader, firm but compassionate, always willing to listen. Ken's characteristics and moral beliefs were greatly influenced by becoming a 32 Degree Mason and 56-year member of the Scottish Rite Orient. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
Funeral Service for Ken will be 1 p.m., Monday May 19, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home Hurricane, WV with Pastor Kent Estep officiating. Entombment will follow at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens Red House, WV.
Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m., until time of service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Ken's name to: Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House 3100 Staunton Road Huntington, WV 25702 or to a charity of your choice.
Anyone wishing to leave an online memory may do so by visiting Ken's tribute page at: www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com.
Chapman Funeral Home 3941 Teays Valley Road Hurricane, WV 25526 is honored to serve the Higginbotham family.