Mr. Donald "Don"  Marvin Higgins, age 77, a resident of De Queen, died Thursday, April 18th, 2024. He was born January 6th, 1947, in Gillham, Arkansas. Don was a 1964 graduate of Gillham High School and attended Henderson State Teachers College, where he graduated from Henderson with his teacher's license. He coached at Bright Star, Arkansas for several years, worked at Baldwin Piano Company, Coy Wiles Conoco, and then returned to his passion of teaching and coaching. Don taught and coached at De Queen School District for over 15 years. Don was a member of the De Queen Church of Christ. Even though he loved and excelled at baseball and basketball in school, Coach Higgins' passion was running. An avid lifelong runner (before running was cool), he accomplished much, running many marathons including the New York City Marathon and Pikes Peak Marathon. He used his love of running to start the cross-country program at De Queen, where he went on to win four state championships. He was inducted into the Arkansas Road Runners Hall of Fame in 2006 for outstanding contributions for road running in Arkansas. Coach Higgins was integral in starting the soccer program at De Queen High School, which has gone on to have great success and multiple state championships. He touched many lives, from the many kids he coached to the friendships he made in the running community.

Don is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Cheryl Higgins, his sister, Becky Styles, and parents Hazel Whitley and Marvin Higgins.

He leaves to cherish his memory a son, Matt Higgins of Hot Springs; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sally and Chet Pinkerton of Newport, Arkansas, and Susan and Mike Bishop of Fort Smith, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Althea Bishop. Cassidy Bishop, John Allen, and Clay Allen; as well as his niece, Missy and Steven Hughes of Germantown.

Funeral Services for Mr. Don Higgins will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, April 22nd 2024, in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel, with Mike Bishop and Bob Ward officiating. Burial will follow in the Smyrna Cemetery under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home. Visitation will be Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel