Russell B. Higginbotham

Pendleton - Russell B. Higginbotham, 89, Pendleton, passed away October 29, 2008 at St. Johns Health System, Anderson Indiana after an extended illness. He was born April 2, 1919 in Williford, Arkansas. Russell lived in Anderson until 1975; Bradenton, Florida from 1975 to 2002 and Pendleton from 2002 until present. He was a 1938 graduate of Anderson High School and attended Indiana University. He was a member of the 1937 Anderson High School Basketball State Championship Team. He was selected as Indiana All State Guard and runner-up Mr. Basketball in 1937. He earned a double scholarship to IU in basketball and football. Russell was chosen to play on the Army Air Corp National Basketball Team and several local teams. Upon his Army discharge, he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. In 1962 , he was inducted into the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame. He served his country in the US Army during WWII. Russell retired from Guide Lamp Division of General Motors in 1975. He traveled the country representing Guide-Amatic and was head of receiving at Guide in Anderson. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Moose Lodge in Bradeton, Florida and Amvets Post #26 in Pendleton. He is survived by his daughter, Sharon & husband Charles Breese of Pendleton; grandchildren, Aaron Williams of Anderson, Bryan Williams of Pendleton and Randy Breese of Teaneck, New Jersey; great grandchildren, Rachel Ave- Williams, Alex Williams, Allison Williams, Leslie Williams and several others; cousin, Pete & wife Francis Higginbottom; nieces & nephew, Karen Baker, Sandy Taylor, Judy Norris, Sally Ahlefeld, Niki Skaggs Mike Higginbotham. A special thanks to Rawlins House Staff. He was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Barbara Higginbotham who passed away June 20, 1969; 2nd wife, Kathryn Campbell Higginbotham who passed away February 24, 2002; parents, George & Laura Darnell Higginbotham; brothers, Clyde, Carl, Chalk and Calvin; sisters, Ruby Delph, Tellie Roberts and Lana Passwater; nephews, Jim Burris, Charlie Bolton and Carl Baker. Visitation will be from 10:30-2:30 PM on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at Robert D. Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel; 200 W. 53rd Street; Anderson. Services will be Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 2:30 PM, at funeral home, south chapel, with Rev. Michael Canada officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Anderson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pendleton Emergency Ambulance Fund; PO Box 165; Pendleton, IN 46064. www.LooseFuneralHomes.com

Russell B. Higginbotham

April 2, 1919 - October 29, 2008