Higgins’ death at 77 came nine months after he sustained a brain injury in a bicycle crash during a rain storm. His wife, DeWandia, said complications from those injuries contributed to his death.
Higgins spent 37 years in the ANG, during which he flew myriad jet aircraft and traveled the world. He called his position as commander of the base at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport “the best job in Clark County.”
He retired after 10 years in the position Jan. 23, 1990, his birthday.
Mike McDorman, CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, said that even in retirement Higgins remained passionate about the airport, the ANG Base and Springfield.
Higgins poured his energy into the Chamber’s Safety Council, founding what became an internationally known Forklift Rodeo.
“When he believed in something, he would go whole hog into it and get everyone else to believe in it,” said Shirley Finney, who spent eight years of her own retirement working for Higgins.
The woman who had met Higgins in junior high said, “Dick was always the same: always friendly, always connected, always down to earth and always fun-loving.”
She said he was proud to have co-founded the Springfield Foundation’s Coach Al Turner Memorial Fund, which honors Turner’s memory and helps Hayward Middle School students.
Memorial contributions may be made to the foundation, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church or any charity.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0368.
About the Author