Clifford W. Higginbotham, 87, of Martinsville, IL passed away 4:50 PM Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014 in Union Hospital at Terre Haute, IN.

He was a lifelong farmer of Clark County, IL. He was born Oct. 5, 1927 in Anderson Twp., Clark Co., IL, the son of Ormal and Opal Alexander Higginbotham. On July 3, 1950 he married Kitty Barkley at Marshall, IL and she preceded him in death on May 6, 2012 after 61 years of marrage.

Clifford was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion Post #515 of Martinsville, Farm Bureau and the Antique Power Club and in his earlier years he enjoyed riding his motorcycle. Clifford worked construction with Dean Alexander, worked the railroad and farmed for over 60 years. He was a Pioneer seed corn salesman for 33 years. He baled hay and custom combined throughout the community.

Surviving are a son, Steven Higginbotham of Lerna, IL; brothers and sisters, Hazel Austin of Robinson, IL, Chester (Beverly) Higginbotham of Paris, IL, Floyd (Glenda) Higginbotham of Marshall, IL, Charles (Phyllis) Higginbotham of Martinsville, IL, Gene (Judy) Higginbotham of Martinsville, IL, Rosemary (Bob) Linton of Paris, IL and Robert (Sheryl) Higginbotham of Martinsville, IL and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Louise Veach and two brothers-in-law, Guy Austin and Earl Dean Veach.

A special thank you to Lee Greenwell, Mike Young family, Jim and Marlene Davidson, Raymond and Edith Ulrey and Billie Ray and Kathy Ulrey for their neighborly relationships that meant so much to Clifford for so many years.

Services in honor of his life will be 10:00 AM Monday in Pearce Funeral Home at Marshall with Pastor Billie Ray Ulrey officiating. Burial will be in the Marshall Cemetery with military rites honoring his service to this nation by American Legion Post #515. Visitation will be 3-7 PM Sunday and 7:00 AM until service time Monday at the funeral home. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Clark County 4H Foundation.