Earl A. Higgins, 68, of Bellefonte, formerly of Shillington, passed away on October 16, 2012. He was the husband of the late Joan Marie Hyneman-Higgins, who preceded him in death on March 15, 2008.
Born July 30, 1944, in Pittsburgh, PA, he was a son of the late Edward and Mildred (Engel) Higgins.
He was a 1962 graduate of North Hills High School, Pittsburgh. He received his bachelor’s in Forestry from Penn State University in 1967.
He retired as District Forester for District 17 of the Pennsylvania State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry. The majority of his 35 years with the State were working as a staff forester who was devoted to conservation and education where he enjoyed working with Smokey the Bear and in fire
prevention.
He was a member of the Society of American Foresters, life member of The Pennsylvania Forestry Association and former president, and life member of the Gilead Historical Society.
Earl is survived by three brothers; Thomas Higgins (Lynne) of St. Louis, MO; Willis Higgins (Sue) of Brownsville, ME; and Andrew Higgins of Tracy, CA; along with their children and grandchildren.
Also surviving are three daughters: Ida O’Donald (John) of Bellefonte, Barbara Rossman (Chris) of Bellefonte, and Lena Higgins (Carl Wyland) of Howard; and two step-sons: Robert Hyneman (Vera) of Selden, N.Y. and Mike Hyneman (Chris) of Reading; and step-daughter-in-law: Kathy Hyneman of Exton. In addition to his
parents and wife; a step-son, Richard Hyneman and a step-daughter, Deborah Hyneman preceded him in death.
There also are 12 grandchildren: Sarah O’Donald Ward (Nick), John O’Donald II, James O’Donald, Ben Higgins, Eva Hodgdon (Christopher), Corbin Rossman, Caleb Rossman, Grace Rossman, Shane Kaschalk and Andrew Kaschalk and 5 step-grandchildren: Eric Costanz, Randy Kurtz, Zachary Hyneman, Nick Hyneman and
Patrick Hyneman.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Pennsylvania Forestry Association, 56 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
Friends will be received from 10 -11 am, Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, followed with a memorial service at 11:00 am, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring St., Bellefonte, PA 16823. Deacon Thomas Boldine will officiate the service. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
