Philip R. Higginbotham

Philip R. Higginbotham, 67, died peacefully at his home on Monday, January 13, 2020. Phil was a career truck driver spending 35 years working for the same company, McFarling Foods. The physical job took a toll on him and he was forced to go into early retirement about 15 years ago. He and his loving wife Rosalie were married for 48 years and together for 51. They have one child, Jennifer Johnson(husband Brandon) and two grandchildren Dakota Chowning and Paige Johnson. They were also Nana and papaw to honorary grandkids Landon, Ryder and Noah. He loved to fish, play darts, spend time at the bar with friends, win at Euchre with his faithful partner Elvin, against Rosie and Irene and play Santa at Christmas for his grandbabies.

Phil was also a lover of cars and motorcycles. He loved to “collect” (buy and sell) cars over the years. He enjoyed driving fast and showing off. It made him smile.

He was best friends with Steven Forbes since they were school kids. They loved to sit at the bar together when they were younger, and we have heard many stories of bar fights protecting their “women”. Now, since they are older and more ummm… dare I say mature, they sit and have coffee as regulars at The Steer Inn.

Phil will be so missed by all those that love him, however please take comfort in the fact that he would not have wanted to continue to get worse as time progressed. He did not suffer, his mind was clear. He was frustrated daily with not being the strong able-bodied man he once was. He was ready. We were not.

In addition to those mentioned, he leaves behind his brothers, Mark (Rosie) Higginbotham (daughter Andrea) and Bart (Lisa) Higginbotham (daughter Shawna). Step-Brothers – Steve (Lisa) Cates, Kevin Cates, Robbie and Mike (Jennifer) Cates. He also leaves behind several other nieces and nephews along with several cousins. He has a special cousin David (Debbie) Smith.

Prior to his life in Indianapolis, he spent a lot of time in Kentucky, over the years he took his little family to spend time with the family he missed there. He had cousins who were special to him including Timmy (Randa) Currens, Jeff Currens, Stan Currens and Robin (Willie) Elkin. We want to make special mention of his aunt Marta and Uncle Bob who were like a second set of parents to him, however precede him in death.

He is preceded in death by his parents Marshall & Doris Imogene Higginbotham, step-mom Carol Higginbotham, cousins Bobby Currens & Steven Currens.

Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, January 17, 2020 from 3PM-5PM at Brandywine Community Church, 1551 E. New Road, Greenfield, IN 46140.