WEST HELENA, Ark. -- John Emmett Higgins Sr., 69, of West Helena died Saturday, March 16, 2002, at Methodist North Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

He was born July 22, 1932, in Coaldale, Ark., son of Dorris and Gladys Blevins Higgins. He and Barbara Joann Crittendon were married Feb. 15, 1959, at Malden, Mo. She died June 22, 2000. He and Kathleen Adams were married Sept. 21, 2001, in Hot Springs, Ark.

Higgins was a salesman, and member of Grace Methodist Church.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Martin Higgins of DeSoto, Mo., John Higgins of Kennett, Mo.; a daughter, Tanya Robinson of Bethalto, Ill.; four stepsons, Ted Johnston of Bates, Ark., Carl, Kenny and Terry Johnston, all of Waldron, Ark., two stepdaughters, Debbie Johnston of Waldron, Diana Hattabaugh of Mansfield, Ark.; three grandchildren; eight stepgrandchildren; and a great-stepgrandchild.

Funeral was March 19 at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Kennett, with the Rev. Dale Rickman officiating. Burial was in Piggott Cemetery at Piggott Ark.