Delbert W. Higgins passed away at his home in Carlyle on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the age of 78.
Mr. Higgins was born on December 8, 1946, in Breese, Illinois, a son of the late Elmer and Lorraine (nee Sommers) Higgins. Delbert cherished his life with Patricia (Rensing) Higgins, to whom he was united in marriage on November 10, 1966, in Trenton, Illinois. Their union was blessed with love, adventure, and three wonderful children: Leslie (Chandler) Fitch of Nashville, TN; Delbert (Kelley) Higgins of Carlyle, IL, and Carrie (Andrew) Thompson of Carlyle. He was a proud grandfather to Jamie (Kurt) Kohrmann of Carlyle, Hollie (Joseph) Smith of Carlyle, Craig Gross of Carlyle, Abigail Gross of San Antonio, TX, Aaliyah Thompson of Smithton, Brianna Smith of Carlyle, Isaac (Chelsea) Smith of Graham, KY, and Chloe Smith of Lawrence, KS; and numerous great grandchildren. Delbert is also survived by his siblings: Violet Redman, Elmer Higgins, and Kathy (Lee) Schaefer; and his in-laws: Joe (Gloria Ross) Rensing, Gay Rensing, Ted (Diane) Rensing, Mary Lou (Ron) Dust, Dianne Becker, Tony (Rose) Rensing, Larry Rensing, Irene Hegger, and Annette (Lester) Wolske.
Mr. Higgins was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Lorraine Higgins; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Leona Rensing; his siblings, Sharon Jackson and Ray Higgins; a nephew, Roderick Redman; a niece, Jennifer Becker; and his in-laws, Bill Redman, Jerry Becker, Kenny Hegger, Maurice Rensing, and Anita Rensing.
For 28 years, Delbert worked diligently at General Motors, and then worked at Walmart for 10 years following his tenure at GM. In his younger years, Delbert was the proud owner and operator of A1 Higgins Septic Service, a family business that spanned several generations.
Delbert was involved in his community as a faithful member of St. Mary’s Church in Carlyle and as a member and past Grand Knight of the Carlyle Knights of Columbus, Council 1382. His love for his grandchildren was only matched by his affection for his farm animals. Ever the patriarch, Delbert provided guidance and care to his younger siblings and to anyone in need who crossed his path.
Friends and family will recall Delbert’s words of wisdom, “If you don’t have style, you don’t have anything,” and his affectionate query, “Who loves ya, baby?” These phrases captured the essence of a man who lived with charisma and an open heart.
A Funeral service will be held at Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held at Zieren Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 14, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM and on Thursday morning from 9:00 – 10:30 AM.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Higgins are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
