David Gene Higdon, 88, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away at 2:24 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at the Kensington. He was born on January 26, 1938 in Fort Madison, IA to Erwin E. & Ella C. Krumplemann Higdon. He was a graduate of Catholic Central High School in 1955. On June 18, 1960 he married Janet Duree Mincer, the love of his life, at Sacred Heart Church in Fort Madison. It all started with a wink in church, when she was only 14, and it was love at first sight. It turned into a lasting and loving relationship. Together they had three daughters, Diane, Darla & Debbie.
David’s top priority was his family. Known to all as Papa, David was a jack of all trades. Janet always said they hardly ever had a repairman in their home as there was nothing David couldn’t fix. The kids and grandkids always knew who to come to for good, sound advice, or a little redirection if needed.
He enjoyed many trips with his family. He enjoyed watching his kids in their sports. Then came the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and local casinos, watching football & basketball on T.V. and tinkering in the garage. In his younger years, he played in city league baseball teams, took Karate lessons and was a past president of the Izaac Walton in Fort Madison.
David is survived by: his loving wife: Janet Higdon of Fort Madison, IA; 3-daughters: Diane (Brian) Wiegand, Darla (Larry Kincaid) Boeding & Debra (Doug) Hayes all of Fort Madison, IA; 5-grandchildren: Josh (Kayla) Wiegand, Trey (Gina) Wiegand, Danielle (Doug Ellis) Boeding, David (Taylor Burdette) Hayes & Drew Hayes; 8-great grandchildren: Paetyn & Hunter Wiegand, Mara & Shep Wiegand, Dreu, Darian & Declan Ellis & Desirae Hayes; 1-sister: Marilyn Smith; 1-sister in law: Mary K. Mincer; bonus son-in-law: D.J. Boeding & numerous nieces, nephews & cousins. He was preceded in death by: his parents, his in laws: Doreen & Maynard Mincer, 1-sister: Carolyn, 1-sister & brother-in-law: Doris & Don Beelman, 2-brother-in-laws: Larry Mincer & Terry Smith.
A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. A funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery. A memorial has been established in David’s memory. Online condolences to the Higdon family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.
