Paul R. Higgins
September 6, 1944 ~ January 8, 2006
Paul R. Higgins, 61, of Follansbee, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2006 at the Weirton Medical Center. Born September 6, 1944 in Steubenville, Ohio, he was the son of Dorothy Lescallette Higgins of Weirton and the late Paul L. Higgins who passed away September 9, 2005.
For 38 years, Paul taught in the Brooke County School System. He spent 2 years at Wellsburg High and the last 36 years at Brooke High School. He was a graduate of West Liberty State College where he was a proud member of the Chi Nu Fraternity. He completed his graduate degree at West Virginia University. Paul was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church, Brooke County Education Association, National Education Association, West Virginia Council of Social Studies and the West Virginia Geographic Alliance. He also served 3 years on the Executive Board for the West Virginia Education Association, served in the WV House of Delegates and was a member of the Route 2/Route 68 Commission.
In addition to his mother, Paul is survived by his wife Diane Whittaker Higgins of Follansbee; son Robert Julian Higgins and his wife Cari of Wellsburg; daughter Lesli Higgins Johnston and her husband Robert of Raleigh, NC; three granddaughters, Katherine Elizabeth Johnston and Kaya Raigh and Franchesca Josephine Higgins and sister Lucille Wilkins and her husband Fred of Steubenville, OH.
Friends will be received Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9PM and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. Additional visitation will be held Thursday from 10AM until the 11AM funeral services at the Grace Lutheran Church, 2105 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville, OH. Reverend Bethel Bateson will officiate. Interment will be in Holly Memorial Gardens, Colerain, OH.
Please consider a contribution in memory of Paul to the Brooke County Relay for Life, c/o American Cancer Society, 72 Gibson Road, New Cumberland, WV 26047.
Share tributes with his family at www.grecohertnick.com
Funeral Home:
Greco Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV
US 26062
Dearest Diane: We all love you and Paul. He will be truly missed. Thank God he goes to a better place. Anything we can do at all, please do not hesitate to ask. Love in Jesus name. Garrett & Denise
Words Fail Me.. all of you are in my thoughts Jimmy
May you find peace and strength through your faith and your fondest memories. We will continue to pray for your family during this time of loss. – The Magills
We LOVE you MOM!!!!
We LOVE you MOM!!!!
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We wish there was more that we could do.
Your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers. The Jarboes
Diane and family, Sorry to hear of your loss. Paul was a fine teacher and friend. I subbed for him at Brooke and he always had great lesson plans. He also campaigned for me when I was on the school board and I did same for him when he ran for office. He was not only a great teacher but a true friend. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, Jerry Hamill
Mrs Higgins I am so sorry for you loss. I knew Mr.Higgins as my teacher and a friend but really got to know him by the stories he would tell me about running around with my brothers growing up. Brooke County is losing a great man, not only as a teacher but as a Resident. He honestly cared about the people that surrounded him. God Bless you and your family.
Dear Lesli and Family, We are so sorry about your Father and are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. With our love, The Schneider Family
Lesli and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With sincere sympathy, Nikki
Mrs. Higgins Sorry for you loss, we are saddened by this, he was a great teacher even though, I did not have him but Ed did. Karen sure is saddened by this, she doesn’t like to see you hurt by this, but we the kokosinski’s are letting you know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Remember the good times. Love, The Luybens
Paul was one of the kindest teachers I ever had in high school. Along with the members if his family, his passing is a tremendous loss to his students.You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Paul was my closest friend in high school and supported me as we both learned the lessons of life. We went in different directions and have not been in touch for many years but I have not forgotten those high school years. I am saddened by his passing at such a young age. Please accept my condolences.
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SORROW AND GRIEF
Diane, Lesli, Robert & families– I am still hoping to make it on Wed. to see you–I have the flu. Paul & I took our classes on a field trip together this Dec. and talked about all the years we have known each other. He was so proud of his children and so very devoted to you, Diane. The kids at school were so very sad; he touched ALL of the kids and seemed to understand those that many teachers gave up on.
Diane- I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He was always so good to everyone- family, friends, co-workers and students. He was always supportive of me, my endeavors, and hardships as a student and co-worker. I have missed his company this school year, and now will miss him forever. You are a lucky woman to have had such a kind husband & to have shared a family with him. May his spirit live on- His positive outlook on life and dedication to education has created lasting memories for all who have known him and will keep him alive within us all. My thoughts are with you and your family! Sincerely- Jaclyn
Diane, Robert, Lesli and families: I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. Paul was the sweetest man. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. I had Mr. Higgins last year for class. He was an amazing teacher who I will never forget. He was a great man who did so much for his students. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I will miss Paul a lot. We worked together closely for BCEA and I could always be assured that things would be done. He was a friend. I know his students will miss him too. It is such a surprise and it will be difficult to remember that he is gone. May God bless his family and give support to Diane. With Sympathy, Betty Lou
Mr. Higgins was one of my favorite teachers; Mrs. Higgins being the other. Diane, my thoughts are with you and your family. God bless. Love, Amy
Sorry to read of Mr. Higgins passing. I am a 1976 graduate of BHS and always remember him a a young and popular teacher back in the seventies. God bless to all he touched as a teacher and mentor. Ron Thompson BHS Class of “76”
Family of Paul …….I met Paul in 5th grade and, even then, he was a really good person and very kind to everyone. I sent condolences when his father died but was so saddened that his death came so soon after. My deepest sympathy to all the family. He will be missed. Naomi (Wine) Furbee
I wanted you let you all know that my prayers are with you now and always.
To the family. I remember Mr. Higgins as a student teacher fresh out of WLSC at Wellsburg High school. Our class was probably his first. I’ve been teaching for 35 years now and it is a shock to read saddness online in my hometown. It was a rare opportunity for us as students to have such a young person teaching us. I was pleased to know Paul stayed in Brooke County and educated hundreds and hundreds of its young citzens. Many many have fond memories of a favorite and dedicated teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with Diane,the children,grandchildren, and all of his family. With sympathy. Janice Moore
Such terrible news to receive! Paul was a great teacher and well-liked by his students. I always enjoyed his classes and time spent in the Political Action Club at Brooke when I was a student. I’ve known your family for so many years through Scouts and for several years now as a colleague to Diane and Paul. This is a tremendous loss for your family, the high school and the community. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Lesli, The Outpatient Team sends our deepest condolances, love, and support. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay encouraged and remember to “…lift up (your) eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh (your) help…” Psalms 121:1. Warmly, Crystal
You were too young to leave us. I thank you for being the best teacher you could be. Economics was not my best subject but somehow you I think you new that and you helped me enough to pass. Thank you again. M.R. Class Of 89!
We remember what a kind and friendly man Paul was at Trinity Lutheran Church. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that he is in a better place. Fondly, The Lahrs
Please except our deepest sympathy for your loss. We enjoyed having Mr. Higgins as a teacher in the last year of Wellsburg High. Tom,Debby,Eric,Jaime,Austin & Ashtyn Oldaker. Wellsburg, Wv.
Diane, Lesli and Robert, I didn’t know Paul as well as you know him as Husband and Father. But I do know he was a good guy. I don’t think there’s a single word I can say that will do any good, but our thoughts and hearts are with you. Chris, Erin and Shelby
Paul was a good neighbor, and football teammate at Follansbee H.S. My deepest condolences to his Mom, Lucille, and entire family. He departed this life way too early, but he touched so many lives while he was here. He leaves a bountiful legacy to all who knew him, just like his Dad. Respectfully, Bill Orth
I am so sorry for your loss, I had Mr.Higgins as an Economics Teacher when I went to Brooke High—I will always remember him as a helpful and humorous teacher—he was very loved…I will never forget his smile!!!
May you all find comfort in your memories; and renewed strength, with each day that passes. I’ll keep you and yours in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with during this time. Remember that God is with you to help you through this.
I had Mr. Higgins as a homeroom teacher. I was class of 1994. I’m so sorry to his family for their loss. He was a sweet man and a great teacher. He will live on forever in all the hearts he touched, and there’s a lot of them. I remember his sweet smile & his kind face forever. My deepest sympathy to his family & co-workers. God Bless, Bobbie Jo (Miller) Parsons