White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Thomas Donald “Tom” Higgins, 83 years old, of Independence, IA, died of natural causes, Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.

Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2024, at White Funeral Home, Independence.

Public Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. – Monday, November 11, 2024, at White Funeral Home, Independence. Private burial will be in the St. John Catholic Cemetery, Independence.

Tom was born February 27, 1941, in Independence, IA, the oldest son of Donald Francis Higgins and Cora H. (Eastman) Higgins. He graduated from St. John Catholic High School in Independence with the class of 1959. On February 27, 1965, he was united in marriage to Candace Ann Hatfield in Independence, at St. John Catholic Church. The couple made their home in Colorado, but soon realized home was always in Independence. They moved back to Independence and raised their family. Tom was a member of the Iowa National Guard and worked as a mechanic, farmer, and a tradesman over the years; however, he was most notably known for being the local grave digger. He knew the local cemeteries like the back of his hand – and being born and raised in Independence, he personally knew nearly all the families he helped over the years.

Being a jack of all trades, Tom was always tinkering with a project. He worked on cars, tractors, snowmobiles, boats…and the list goes on…whatever it was, he had to modify it. He and Candace lived in the home they built on the Wapsipinicon River. If he didn’t know how to do something, he would read and talk to others until he knew how to get the job done well. Tom was a Green Bay Packer fan, gun enthusiast, and a car lover – that liked to drive fast!! In his younger years, he enjoyed playing pool at the Shamrock and getting into mischief with his brothers. Tom loved his family, and always looked forward to spending time with his grandkids. He loved to teach them how to use tools and guns, and he loved to work on projects together. He was a member of the Wapsipinicon Snowmobile Association, National Tractor Pull Association, and St. John Catholic Church.

Tom is survived by his wife of 59 years, Candace Higgins of Independence, IA; two sons, Christopher (Julie) Higgins of Green Bay, WI, Andrew (Tonya) Higgins of Independence, IA; one daughter, Kimberly (Dante) Estevez of Independence, IA; 11 grandchildren and step-grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; three brothers, Vince Higgins of Winthrop, IA, Michael (Kathleen) Higgins of Ocean City MD, Ronald (Mary) Higgins of Weldona, CO; one sister, Mary (Eldon) Breitbach of Marion, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Jase Higgins; one brother, Samuel Higgins; and his nephews, Jeff, Cameron, and Danny Higgins.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be given to projects important to Tom.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHome.com
White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, is in charge of arrangements.