Obituary of Patrick Shawn Higgins
Patrick Shawn Higgins was born in Trenton, Michigan on September 2, 1955. He was one of five children born from the union of Richard A. Higgins and Barbara Jean (Peters) Higgins. Pat attended Trinity Lutheran and Custer Elementary Schools and Monroe High School.
He married the love of his life the former, Penny Sue Dines at St. Paul United Methodist Church on May 21, 1977. The couple were blessed with three children. Pat worked for Ryder Sandblast and Paint for more than fifteen years. While employed there he picked up many skills that he used throughout his life. After having some health setbacks, he became a jewelry benchman working locally for Alexander and Len-Fren Jewelers.
Pat loved automobiles. He was a gifted custom auto painter and mechanic. He loved auto racing, and for many years spent weekends at Milan Dragway with his 1972 Ford Pinto. He loved putzing around the garage and wrenching on cars.
Pat had a heart of gold, was easy-going, outgoing, and helpful, always generous with his time and talents. He loved to spend time with family and friends with many memories being made around the back yard campfire, typically with a beer in his hand. He loved to do whatever the grandchildren were doing from building Lego sets to working on models. He had enjoyed remote control airplanes and woodworking making clocks. Pat was proud to be one of the first commanding officers of the Monroe County Young Marines warmly earning the title of "Major Dad".
Patrick Shawn Higgins, age 67, of Monroe passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday; June 6, 2023. He had been in declining health for many years. His passing was preceded by his parents; grandparents: Chester and Eva Hurley and Harvey Higgins; two brothers: Timothy and Daniel Higgins; a beloved daughter: Jennifer Higgins; a grandson: Ian Lengel; and a brother-in-law: Terry Hibbs.
To cherish his memory, he leaves a loving wife of forty-six years: Penny Sue Higgins of Monroe; two children: Christine Lengel and Shaun (Kourtney) Higgins both of Monroe; two sisters: Trina Hibbs and Kellie (John) Brancheau both of Monroe; five grandchildren: Damion Lengel and Declan Lengel, Brandon Jr., Sofia, and Myles Turner; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 4:00pm on Sunday; June 11, 2023 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 4:00pm also at Merkle’s. Cremation will take place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
Memorials, for those who desire are suggested to the Higgins Family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.