Mr. Melvan L. Higgins, Sr., 83, of Knoxville, Illinois died 2:22 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2024, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois.
He was born on September 20, 1941, in Galesburg to Marvan L. and Faye L. (Cunningham) Higgins. He married Charlene E. Blacklidge on June 10, 1962, in Galesburg and they raised their four children, Diana, Doreen, Melvan, and Darlene.
Surviving are his children, Doreen Benson of Galesburg, Melvan (and Kay) Higgins, Jr. of Bedford, Texas and Darlene (and Chris) Plue of Knoxville, a son-in-law, Clint Dowdy of Springfield, Illinois a brother, Myron L. (and Kelly) Higgins of Aledo, Illinois, a sister, Marilee (and Lawrence) Johnson of Knoxville, ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 58 years, Charlene Higgins, on July 11, 2020, and his daughter, Diana Dowdy on July 13, 2021.
Melvan graduated from Knoxville High School in 1959. He was born and raised on a farm and worked the farmland with his father until his father’s health failed. The family was forced to sell the farmland, but Melvan continued to farm for the Goff family, the Hennenfent family, and any other farmer that needed help. He also worked at Gates Rubber Company for over 37 years and retired in 2007. He worked in just about every department for Gates, including management for a short time. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Knoxville. Melvan’s true passion was volunteering for the Midwest Old Threshers in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. He began attending the Old Threshers in 1972. He loved running the old steam engine, the carousel, and answering questions for the visitors. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, including several camping trips.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Knoxville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Midwest Old Threshers Carousel House. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
