Rev. C. Paul Higdon

Fr. C. Paul Higdon entered eternal life on Saturday, February 20th, 2010 at 4:38pm. Fr. Paul was a well known and much beloved minister in the Blue Water Area for several decades, and will be sorely missed.

Fr. Paul was born in 1919 and grew up in Royal Oak. He was the son of Paul Bernard Higdon and Louella Gertrude Elmore, the eldest of seven children. He was ordained a priest in the Franciscan Order in 1946. He served with the Franciscans in many capacities, primarily as an instructor at Duns Scotus in Southfield. He also served parishes in Indiana, Kansas, and Michigan.

In 1968 he left the Franciscan Order to become a diocesan priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit. He served as assistant pastor at St. Edward's in Lakeport, St. Joseph in Port Huron, St. Gertrude in St. Clair Shores, and St. William in Walled Lake.

In 1984 he accepted the post for which he became most known in the Blue Water Area: hospital chaplain at Mercy and Port Huron hospitals. Fr. Paul served faithfully in that capacity for many decades, diligently discharging his duties with the faithfulness and compassion necessary for a chaplain. Countless families were comforted by his ministry to the sick and dying as he administered the Anointing of the Sick and brought Holy Communion to those in need. Though he formally retired in 1991, he continued to serve as a volunteer chaplain long afterwards. He also assisted with parish responsibilities at St. Mary Parish in Port Huron.

Even when age and health constraints forced Fr. Paul to retire from the chaplaincy and parish duties, he continued offering regular Mass for residents of Mercy Village and Marydale until the final weeks of his life.

Fr. Paul is survived by one sister, Marilou, and numerous nieces and nephews. His nieces Kathy Pyatt and Diane Shoemaker were able to attend him during his final days.

Fr. Paul's love of God and pastoral concern for others touched many lives during his years of ministry. He was diligent at his duties to the end, and with sorrow and thanksgiving we commend him to the hands of the Lord whom he served so faithfully. Visitation will be at Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home in Port Huron from 2:00pm to 9:00pm on Tuesday February 23rd, 2010 and at St. Mary Parish in Port Huron from 2:00pm to 9:00pm on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 as well as from 10:00am to 11:00am on Thursday, February 25th. Funeral will be at 11:00am on Thursday, February 25th at St. Mary Parish with interment in Mount Hope Cemetery immediately following.

For guest book and information, please visit karrersimpsonfuneralhome.com.