Philip Higgins

Philip Gail Higgins was called to his eternal home the morning of March 5, 2025, in Council Bluffs, IA at the age of 78. His family takes great comfort in knowing that he is now rejoicing with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Phil was born on October 10, 1946, in Council Bluffs, IA to Phyllis Ann (Heitman) Higgins and Gail Edward Higgins, both of Council Bluffs. Phil was a big brother to Daniel (Danny) Henry Higgins, and though not by blood, he called Frank Padilla his other little brother.

In his youth, Phil was a gifted athlete and talented trumpet player. As Phil used to say, "Those who can't do, teach," and so, after his prime years, he was overjoyed to share his passions by coaching Little League baseball and junior high football. He also played trumpet in "Old Timers" concerts in the Sheridan, MT high school gymnasium and in the praise and worship bands at church. Phil was a master of words and wrote many a story, testimony, poem, and very strongly worded letter to various politicians. Phil's great sense of humor and inability to know a stranger made him a light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

When he was just a boy, a photo of some mountains on his grandma's calendar gave Phil a fierce love for them. In his heart, he always knew he'd eventually live where he could be in the mountains. Born and raised an Iowa farmer and cattleman, an opportunity arose in the summer of 1977, and he moved his family to Twin Bridges, MT where he became a Montana rancher. An injury took the ranching away, but Phil found other careers, from banker to realtor. Most recently, he'd found his place at Murdoch's in Hamilton, MT, where he made many friends, including Kevin Costner, who, after a brief conversation, said, "You know what, Phil? I'm going to remember you!".

Phil married his loving and devoted wife of nearly 37 years, Peggy Lee (Hircock) Higgins, on December 30, 1988. Phil and Peggy had many adventures and lived in many places, most of which had mountains, until their last move in 2023, which took them back home to Iowa.

Phil is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife, Peggy Lee Higgins; son, Daniel Shawn Higgins; daughters, Heather Lynn (Lance) Koss and Amberly Mae (Paul) Schechinger; grandchildren, Meranda Jean (Cass) Melin, Robert Lee Martinez and Shane Thomas Koss; his legacy will live on through his great-grandchildren, Rosalia Mae Melin, Eleuia Lee Melin, Isabella Ray Melin, Mariana Lynn Melin, Reynato Haart Melin and Bear Morris Apple.

Heaven rejoiced as Phil was reunited in Glory with his parents, Gail and Phyllis, and his brother, Danny. What a wonderful Truth we know that even after he is dead and his skin is long gone, that in his new flesh he shall see God. (Job 19:26-27) and the dead will be raised incorruptible (I Corinthians 15:52).

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

With friends and family scattered near and far, we've decided to take some time before holding a service. Right now, we're focusing on holding our loved ones a little closer while we plan a celebration of life that Phil would have truly wanted. We're not exactly sure what that will look like just yet-except that it will definitely include his favorite, chocolate milk! When the time comes, we will reach out with details to honor and celebrate the remarkable life of Philip Gail Higgins.