Former Springfield High Senior Class President Dies In Fatal Car Crash

By Rebekah Borio, Staff Writer

Springfield, MO - A former senior class president of Springfield High School died in a fatal two-car crash that took place on the corner of U.S. 63 and Route NN in rural Lincoln County last night. He was 27 years old.

Henry Higgins lived in Springfield his entire life. The son of Ralph and Amy Higgins, he is remembered for many reasons. “Henry was a wonderful individual,” said family friend Anita Thacker, “He died too young, but he accomplished so much.”

A scholar-athlete at Springfield High school in the late 1990s, Higgins was a prominent presence in the community. “Henry was our senior class president,” said classmate Barb Donald, “He loved organizing events and speaking on behalf of the students – he was really something else.”

After graduation Henry attended the University of Illinois. While there, he lettered for two years as a tight end on the school’s football team. “Higgins was a great football player,” said his coach Jim Rebber, “He was a team player and had such a passion for the game.”

Career oriented, Higgins had recently earned his real estate license and worked for the local firm West and Haver. “Henry was a real businessman,” said his boss John Doe, “He was new to our company but it was like he had worked here for 20 years.” ( I would also add an interesting anecdote here to highlight the skills Higgins had)

School and business were not his only interests. According to his parents, Higgins was also an avid member of the Springfield Jaycees and was passionate about giving back to the local community.

“Higgins was involved in a lot of community service projects,” said Springfield Jaycee’s President Mark Anthony, “He loved to help people and I just can’t understand why such a wonderful man was taken so soon.” (Here I would add specific examples of projects he was involved in)

Family and friends can celebrate Higgins life at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Newman Center, 101 Cedar Lane, in Springfield. Father Ralph Green will officiate. His burial will follow at City Cemetery, 30 Park Avenue, in Springfield.

Survivors include his wife, Cloris Higgins, of the home in Springfield; his parents, Ralph and Amy Higgins, of Springfield; a sister, Ruth Higgins, of Birmingham Alabama; and a brother, Russell Higgins, of St. Louis.