Donald “Don” Lee Higbee

Donald Lee Higbee, affectionately known as “Pap” to his family and close friends, passed peacefully  on Monday, March 4, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Anderson following a brief illness. Born on July 19, 1931, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Robert and Emma (Taylor) Higbee, Don’s early years were filled with the joys of working on the Higbee Tree Farm in Anderson.

Don graduated from Anderson High School in 1950 where he met his wife Ann. He served his country in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955. A dedicated tool and die maker for the Delco Remy division of General Motors for 43 years, Don was not just committed to his work, but also to his community, as evidenced by his 32nd degree lifetime Mason status through the Ovid Masonic Lodge #164 F.&A.M.

In his free time, Don found joy in gardening, fishing, bowling, and spending time with his family and friends. Don’s renowned tomatoes were often the centerpiece of his Sunday Dinners with his family. His passion for fishing led him to win numerous tournaments and compete as a Bassmaster in Indiana. In 1974, Don was famous for catching fish so big that he never had to exaggerate in his recollection like so many of his fellow fishermen. Legend has it Don never got tired of casting, leading others to tell tales of him having a “rubber arm” being able to continually cast and reel in all day long. Don was also a skilled bowler, often participating in competitive leagues at Coopers with his family and friends.

Don and Ann were known for their hospitality, always welcoming friends and family into their home and enjoying their time together traveling. He maintained quite the calendar. Tuesdays were breakfast with his Sister, Bonnie, as well as cousins and friends. Wednesday nights were dinner with neighbors Keith and Melissa. Thursday breakfast was reserved for his good friends, and fellow Classmates of 1950. Sunday however, Sunday was for family. Don lived for Sunday Dinners. Anywhere from 10 to 20 members of the extended family would cram around a 6-person table in Don and Ann’s house, cooking, laughing, drinking tea, and eating all day long. Pap will forever be remembered as an outstanding father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Don is survived by his children, Kim Shelton, Jay (Linda) Higbee, and Tod (Julie Imel) Higbee; sister, Bonnie Morehead; grandchildren, Adam (Jessica) Shelton, Jayson (Joy) Higbee, Emma (Rob) Harper, Jacob Higbee, and Britney Wells; great-grandchildren, Cal, Elsie, Lincoln, Harper, Owen, and Lyla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Ann Higbee of 52 years, and his son-in-law Stan Shelton.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, followed with a 2:00 pm funeral service celebrating Don’s life at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home, 515 East 53rd Street, Anderson, Indiana 46013. Burial will follow at Anderson Memorial Park with military rites conducted by the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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