Daniel E. “Dan” Higgins, 80, of Galesburg, died at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2025, at home with family by his side.
He was born February 27, 1945, in Galesburg, the youngest child of Ernest and Mary Elizabeth (Gustine) Higgins. He married Roberta H. “Birdie” Chamlin in August 1978, in Peru, Illinois.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 47 years, Birdie; a daughter, Jessica (Cliff) Chambers of Galesburg; a sister, Alice Lawson of Monmouth, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bud.
Before graduating from Galesburg High School, Dan attended military school for 2 years. Dan’s life-long career was in sales. He had an easy personality and could find common ground with people, leading to his success. Over the years, he had worked in liquor sales, car sales, furniture, office supplies, and automotive supplies. It was while working for D & B Distributors that he met Birdie at a wine tasting event he was working at, and the rest is history. Dan loved grilling out and eating. Once his son-in-law joined the family, he looked forward to his favorite corned beef and cabbage yearly. He enjoyed tech gadgets and loved to let his friends and family know when a fox went past a ring camera. Dan was most proud of his family.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 7, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the funeral home with Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. Burial will follow in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation to benefit pancreatic cancer research or the FISH Food Pantry. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
