Thomas F Higgins

Thomas F. Higgins, age 82 of Merrillville, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Tom was born in Gary and graduated from Holy Angels ’46, Horace Mann ’50 and Indiana University ’55 with a BA degree in Radio Journalism and with an Army commission as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He served with the First Infantry Division followed by 32 years of active and reserve service retiring as a Colonel. Tom was President of the Delta Chi fraternity, active in a number of campus organizations including the Dailey Student newspaper, news editor of WFIU radio and IU Alumni Association Life member. His broadcast career began at WLOI in La Porte prior to entering the military, and later continued at WWCA in Gary. He eventually worked at several other stations including television. He also served as Director of Alumni Relations at IU Northwest for 14 years. Tom was a member of committees and boards including President of the Senior Little League World Series, Gary Old Timer’s Association, Blessed Sacrament Home and School Association and Parish Council. He served as a board member on the CYO and Catholic Family Services. The family has belonged to the Hammond Marina since it opened in 1991 and sailed Lake Michigan every summer. Tom authored 5 books and his many civic accolades include President of Gary Easter Seals campaign, Toastmaster Award, Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 2003, from Governor Frank O’Bannon, and The Friendly Sons of Erin, 1987 Shamrock Award Recipient. Tom was preceded in death by daughter Kathy (Mark) Townsend of Crown Point and parents, Hayden and Olga (Chasten) Higgins. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Kopil-Dynakowski) Higgins; daughters-Judy (Mike) Maretich of Johnsburg, IL, Nancy of Lowell, Tracy (late Tim) Bonick of Merrillville, Stacy (Bob) Gleason of Lowell; sons-Tom (Carrie) of Valparaiso, Tim (Cathy) of Crown Point, Patrick of Schererville; brother-Michael (Marie) Higgins of Crown Point. Eleven grandchildren-Amy (Casey) Lane, Mikey Maretich, Katie (Anthony) Quintana, Tom Higgins, Hayden Higgins, Tim Higgins, Amber Higgins, Morgan Bonick, Colin Gleason, Erin Gleason and Tatum Gleason; three great grandchildren-Abby Lane, Cody Lane and Vincent Quintana; best friends-Karen Wilson of Schererville, and Brad McClellan of Lowell. Tom’s greatest reward was June 13, 1960, when he married Betty and they began a family of eight children based on faith, love, respect, and humor. She made it a great life and family and was the best caregiver during their 55 years together. Friends are invited to visit with Tom’s family on Friday, July 10th from 3-8pm at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, with a prayer service at 5:30 pm. Funeral service Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 10 am - DIRECTLY at St. Andrew Church, 801 W. 73rd Ave., Merrillville, IN with Rev. Mick Kopil and Rev. Robert Gehring concelebrating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. www.burnsfuneral.com

Thomas F Higgins

October 5, 1932 - July 7, 2015