Thomas F. Higgins, Sr.June 19, 1935 - Feb. 02, 2017SOUTH BEND - Thomas F. Higgins, Sr., 81, of South Bend, Indiana passed away at 12:45 a.m., Thursday, February 2, 2017 in Trailpoint Village. Thomas was born on June 19, 1935 in Wamego, Kansas to James E. Higgins, Sr. and Ruth (Rosencrans) Higgins and had lived in South Bend for 74 years. He retired on October 31, 1995 from the Bendix Corporation, where he was employed for 28 years. On May 20, 1961, in South Bend, he married Evelyn Lolmaugh, who preceded him in death on May 11, 2007. On January 5, 2009 he married Lucy Pilpil, who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Regina (James) Heverly and Margaret Michaels both of South Bend, Indiana and Eileen (Steven) Jurek of Indianapolis, Indiana; one son, Thomas F. Higgins, Jr. of South Bend, Indiana; one step-son, Jon (Glynis) Pilpil of South Bend, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Jessica Heverly, Matthew Heverly, Alex Heverly, Stephanie (Greg) Hale, Bryan Whitaker, Aaron Whitaker, Veronica Jurek and Adam Jurek; and five great-grandchildren, Morgan, Nick, and Kaitlynn Hale and Juniper and Vesper Whitaker. Thomas was preceded in death by his sister, Marian Lentine; and two brothers, James E. Higgins, Jr. and Lawrence (Meg) Higgins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday February 6, 2017 in Holy Cross Church. Committal Services with Military Honors will take place at 3:00 p.m. Monday in St. Michael's Cemetery, Plymouth, Indiana. A visitation will take place from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. Sunday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a rosary will be prayed at 2:00 p.m. Thomas was served in the United States Army from 1954-1956. He was a member of Holy Cross Parish, American Legion Pulaski Post #357, Michiana Polka Mass Singers, and the South Bend-Mishawaka Valleyaires. He was a huge Purdue fan. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Holy Cross Church. To send online condolences, please visitkaniewski.com