George Higginbotham

George W. Higginbotham, 88, passed away peacefully at his home on Wed., Jan. 22, 2014 with family by his side. He was born Aug. 16, 1925 in Brunswick, MO to Lafayette and Ruth Higginbotham. The family moved to K. C., MO within a few years, and George lived the rest of his life in the greater K. C. area.
He served in the Army from 1946-1947, stationed primarily in Tokyo, Japan. George married Mary Jane 'Janey' Hulings in 1959; she preceded him in death in 1997. He bought Drive-In Theatre Mfg. Co. (later renamed Systems & Products Engineering Co. or SPECO) from his Uncle George Heller in 1961 and was the owner and president of the long-running company until his retirement in 2012.
He was a proud member of the Montgall 'Park Bums' and loved the other guys like brothers.
George was also preceded in death by his parents, son Charles Higginbotham, daughter Jann Higginbotham, baby sister Norma, and brothers Ed, Howard, and Gene.
George's gentle nature and generosity were just a few of his well known traits. He always put others before himself, and his family meant the world to him. He is survived by his children: Michele Curran (Yucaipa, CA), George and Kathy Higginbotham (Olathe), Jill and Mark Britton (Sterling, KS), Jenny and Dan Leiker (Leawood), Jaren and Shelly Higginbotham (Shawnee), 17 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and cousins, and countless friends.
The family would like to express their appreciation to George's favorite ladies at Old 56 Restaurant and to Compassionate Care Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.

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