Jimmie Higginbotham

Jimmie Higginbotham, 82, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, February 4, 2013, at Mercy Hospital. Jimmie was born February 26, 1930, at Iola, Kansas, the son of Floyd B. and Myrtle (Adams) Higginbotham. He grew up in the Carlyle area and graduated from Iola High School in 1948. He served in the United States Navy from 1948 until 1951, including 27 months in Guam. On November 21, 1952, Jimmie married Bonnie Jean Thornbrugh at his parent's home in rural Iola. They made their home in Iola until 1953 when they moved to Paola for three years and returned to Iola. They lived in Plainfield, IL, Anderson, IN, Decatur, IL and Mason City, IA before settling in Ft. Scott. He worked as a terminal manager for Mitchell Transport Co. from 1964 until 1983. He retired from Gates Rubber Company in Iola. Bonnie preceded him in death April 9, 2006. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and V.F.W. Jimmie enjoyed woodworking, crocheting, making Christmas candy, gardening and farming. SURVIVORS: Special Friend & Caregiver: Margie Albright of Ft. Scott, KS 2 Children: Ronnie Higginbotham & wife, Debbie of Iola, KS and Rhonda Smith & husband, Rodney of Parsons, KS 2 Brothers: Jack Higginbotham of Mankato, MN and Tom Higginbotham of Iola, KS 4 Grandchildren: Melisa Aikins & husband, Grant of Chanute, KS, John Higginbotham & wife, Jenna of Ottawa, KS, Cindy Smith & husband, Jimmy Coffield of Iola, KS and Nick Smith & wife, Tiffany of Independence, KS 5 Great Grandchildren: Dylan & Dalton Coffield, Ollie & Kadence Byrd, and Eliana Higginbotham He was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Buss. VISITATION: 6-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. BURIAL: Mount Hope Cemetery, Humboldt, KS MEMORIAL: American Cancer Society Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .