Rev. Thomas S. Higgins

COSHOCTON – Rev. Thomas S. Higgins, 75, was born in Coshocton, Ohio, and passed away peacefully on August 11, 2017. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Leona (nee Thomas) Higgins. Tom is survived by his brothers, Rev. Clarence (the late Janice) Higgins, Jr. and Rev. Charles (Virginia) Higgins; special friend, Carol Pohl; nieces and nephews: Ruth (Jay) Schleyer, Timothy (Marie) Higgins, Dr. Jonathan (Toni) Farrell-Higgins, Rev. David (Rev. Beth) Long-Higgins, Mary Higgins, Daniel (Liesl) Higgins, Greg (Elaine) Cappadona, Colleen (Bobby) McMichael, Gwen Cappadona, David (Catherine) Higgins, Julie Bailey, Lisa Higgins (Demetri Douhouliotis), and Andrew (Elizabeth) Higgins; 22 great nieces and nephews; 2 great great nephews;  many dear friends and those to whom he pastored.

Tom graduated from Eden Theological Seminary in 1967.  He was ordained June 11, 1967 at his home church, St. John’s United Church of Christ in Coshocton, OH.  After serving as student pastor of St. John’s United Church of Christ in High Hill, MO, during his senior year at Eden, he was called as Pastor after graduating from Eden in 1967.  Tom served there until May of 1981 when he was called as Senior Pastor at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Ferguson, MO. Tom served there until his retirement in 2012.  He was also Pastor Emeritus of St. John’s UCC in High Hill.  After two years of retirement, Tom was called to be pastor of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Wright City, MO where he pastored until his health began to fail and he was called Home.

Tom served as President of the Eastern Association, Moderator of the Missouri Mid-South Conference (1980-1981), and was a member of the Executive Council of the United Church of Christ and The All Church Offering Committee.  He was a delegate to General Synod 1971-1973.  Tom served on the Capital Campaign Committee of Emmaus Homes, Every Child’s Hope, Make a Difference, and the Missouri Camp Campaigns.

Tom directed Church Camps for 3 years at Camp Mo-Val.  He also served on the Board of Directors of Emmaus Homes and as President of the Board for many years.  Tom additionally served as a member of the Parkside Meadows Board of Directors.

Tom is the fourth member of his family to graduate from Eden Seminar, following in the footsteps of his father, Clarence Higgins, in 1928 and his two brothers, Clarence Jr. in 1955 and Charles in 1956. One of Tom’s nephews, David Long-Higgins, is also a pastor in the United Church of Christ.

Friends may visit on Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 3-8 p.m. at Alexander-White-Mullen Funeral Home in St. Ann as well as on Friday, August 18 from 9 a.m. until the service at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Church of Christ of Ferguson with Rev. Dave Long-Higgins officiating.  Tom will be laid to rest with his parents on Friday, August 25, 2017 at 10 a.m.  at Union Cemetery in Port Washington, OH., with Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home assisting the family.

Memorials are appreciated to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Salvation Army, Heidelberg University in Tiffin, OH, and Eden Seminary in Webster Groves, MO.

An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.

Category: Obituaries