Edwin Samuel David "Pops" Higgins

Edwin Samuel David “Pops” Higgins, 76, passed away on August 10, 2026, surrounded by love.

Born in Illinois on July 30, 1950, Pops lived a life marked by service, family, and the things he loved. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

To nearly everyone who knew him, Edwin was simply “Pops.” It was more than a nickname. Over the years, he became a father figure to many, especially to young people who didn’t have a parent or a steady presence of their own. His family extended far beyond those related to him by blood. If you needed a dad, there was a good chance Pops would simply become yours. That was just who he was.

Pops enjoyed working with his hands and could often be found tending to his vegetable garden. He took pride in what he grew and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with those around him.

He was also a devoted University of Kentucky basketball fan. When the Wildcats were playing, Pops was watching and cheering them on. And if there was a poker game happening, everyone knew he was ready to play, and more often than not, he was the one walking away the winner.

Pops was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jane “Janie” Higgins, and his son, Jimmy Higgins.

He is survived by his son, Jon (Gladys) Higgins; daughter, Jessie (Dan) Taylor; granddaughter, Sophia Higgins; brother, Hardy (Belinda) Higgins; and his nephew and niece, Rory and Dion.

Pops will be remembered for his service to his country, his love for his family, the vegetables he grew, the Wildcats games he cheered through, and all those poker games everyone probably should have known better than to play against him.

But perhaps his greatest legacy is found in the number of people who called him Pops. Some were family by birth, and many were family simply because he chose to love them that way. He gave people a place to belong and showed that being a father is about far more than blood.

For so many, there will never be another Pops.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Ed’s honor to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, supporting reproductive health and rights.

https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org/onlineactions/2U7UN1iNhESWUfDs4gDPNg2?sourceid=1000063&_gl=1*1t9k57c*_gcl_au*NTE2NTkwNi4xNzg2NTc5MDUw*_ga*NzI5Njk3OTA5LjE3ODY1NzkwNDk.*_ga_ENXC8KHJL8*czE3ODY1NzkwNDgkbzEkZzEkdDE3ODY1NzkwNTAkajU5JGwwJGgxMjUyMzgxNDQ.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at a later date, when family and friends can come together to remember him and the life he shared with so many. Details will be announced once arrangements are finalized.