Remembering Calvin Higgens

Calvin Eugene Higgens, 94, of Indianapolis, IN passed away on Tuesday April 20, 2021 with his wife of 72 years, Betty Higgens, by his side. Calvin was born on October 2, 1926 in Indianapolis, IN to the late William & Hazel (Dininger) Higgens. Calvin graduated from Southport HS in 1944. That same year he was a state champion in wrestling. Upon completion of high school, Calvin enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served proudly in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service. He was wounded in action on June 17, 1945 in Okinawa, Japan. Calvin attended Purdue University where he received his BS degree in Microbiology and Master of Science Degree. After completing his graduate studies at Purdue, he worked as a Microbiologist at Eli Lilly, Indianapolis for his entire career. While at Eli Lilly Calvin was credited with numerous patents for his work in the field of antibiotics.

On August 20, 1948 Calvin married Betty Mae Kellie of Indianapolis, IN. They had four children Daniel, Diane, Gregory and Carolyn. He lived on Indianapolis’ Southside for his entire life. Calvin was a very generous person with a good-heart and a friendly, humorous side. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed working at his church, Christ United Methodist Church, where he would spend a week in the summer working at Vacation Bible School and also enjoyed working on the church landscaping. He was an avid gardener and worked year round in his greenhouse. Calvin also studied wood carving, photography, watercolor and oil painting.

Calvin is survived by his wife, Betty Higgens, his children Daniel Higgens, Diane (Don) Beeman, Gregory (Tammy) Higgens, Carolyn (Rex) Adams, grandchildren Laura (Chris) Nadeau, Mike (Dora) Beeman, Jeffrey Higgens, Sarah Higgens and Clark Adams, great-grandchildren Greyson Nadeau and Cameron Nadeau. Calvin was preceded in death by his brothers William Higgens, Morton Higgens and Richard Dean Higgens.

Visitation will be Monday, May 10, 2021 from 11:00 to 1:00 at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens and Funeral Home, 1977 South State Rd 135 Greenwood, IN 46143. Service will be held at 1:00pm followed by interment with military honors in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.