Thomas "Tom" A. Higginbotham, age 71, of Hammond, passed away Thursday, March 30. Loving father of Thomas Higginbotham, Virgil "Ray" (Arvilla) Higginbotham, Bryon (Dorothy) Higginbotham, Scott (Vickie) Higginbotham, Mary (David) Barrientes, and Kenneth (Andrea) Parr. Proud grandfather of Dana, Leeann, Thomas, Anthony, Richard (Barbara), David, Jennifer, Wanda, Breanne, Walter, Justin (Britney), Bryon, Jr., Marc, Kaylee, Greg (Esti), Erica, Scotty, David, Jessica, Denim, Larry "LJ", Jeremy, Dylan, and Elizabeth. Dearest great-grandfather of Gavin, Emmajen, Izaiah, Beckham, Thomas, Kaleb, Alexandria, Carmelo, Joshua, Xiomara, Ariangelly, Clara, Sharon, Damian, Kaitlyn, Kaylee, Billy, Bridgette, Tommy, Dorothy, Rachel, Lillian, Ashley (Devven), Kenyon, Scotty, Avery, Paislee, David, Carlynn, Corlee, Kryi, Avery, Julia, and Mikayla. Special friend to Patty. Cherished brother of Jerry, Ken Ed, Teddy, Joe, and Geneva Boles. Fond uncle to many nieces and nephews. Devoted to his grand dogs Bella and Lucky. Preceded in death by his wife Janet K. Higginbotham nee Wright, his parents, Virgil and Juanita Higginbotham nee Gulley, his brothers Jim Higginbotham and Terry Higginbotham, and his sister Kathy Heffler. He will be greatly missed and always in the hearts of family and friends. The memories will last a lifetime. Funeral Services were private and entrusted to LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME , 6955 Southeastern Ave., Hammond, Indiana. For further information, please contact LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME at 219/845-3600.