Dr. Collin Dean Higginbotham, 77, of Owensville, IN, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on November 19, 2024. He was born to the late James and Imogene Higginbotham in New Haven, CT on October 24, 1947. Dean was a 1965 graduate of Owensville High School. He spent 4 years in the ROTC program and 2 years in the United States Marine Corps.

He married his loving wife, Randa (Gardner) Higginbotham December 22, 1968, and together they have 4 children. Dean attended Vanderbilt University and Purdue for his BS, MS, and PhD degrees and Indiana University for his law degree. As an attorney, he served the Gibson County area and was a public defender. He donated many hours of his time to the community including volunteer lawyer coordinator in Gibson County for several years.

As a professor, he taught at Purdue University, Olney Central College, Wabash Valley College, and Oakland City University. He published a historical fiction novel called "Wabash" on March 1, 2015. He belonged to several professional organizations and the Fort Branch Masonic Lodge #696. In his spare time, he was a collector of many things including artifacts and antiques. He enjoyed archeology, travel, reading, and spending time with his family.

Dean is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Randa Higginbotham of Owensville; children, Rachel (Jeff) Ennis of Lubbock, TX, David (Barbara) Higginbotham of New Orleans, LA, Rebecca (Andy) Harper of San Francisco, CA, and Daniel (Stacey) Higginbotham of Owensville, IN; siblings, James Alan (Bonnie) Higginbotham of Saylorsburg, PA and Jennifer (Roy Lennox) Doyle of New York City, NY; and 8 grandchildren, Madeline and Meredith Ennis, Ella, Evelyn, and Elin Harper, and Gwen, Collin, and Claire Higginbotham along with many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Military Honors will be performed by the Veterans of Gibson County and be held at the burial at Mauck Cemetery in Owensville. Donations can be made to South Gibson Scholarship, Inc. 3499 W 800 S. Fort Branch, IN 47648, https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=3TXEAYJN28HFS

Expressions of sympathy can be made at stodghillfuneralhome.com.

Gibson Southern Scholarships, Inc
3499 W 800 S, Fort Branch IN 47648