Michael Alden “Mike” Higinbotham

Michael Alden “Mike” Higinbotham, 68, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, surrounded by his family at his residence in Middle Point after a long illness.

Mike was born in Frankfort, Indiana, on July 1, 1957, the son of Milton Ferrell Higinbotham, Jr. and Donna May (Waldron) Underwood.

He worked as a brakeman on the railroad for nearly 20 years before owning and operating his own roofing company. He later worked at Aeroquip (Eaton/Danfoss Power Solutions). In his spare time, Mike was a gifted problem-solver and self-taught engineer — truly a “jack of all trades.” Fascinated by the inefficiency of traditional wind turbines, he developed and patented a counter-vortex turbine, with a nearly soundless prototype that powered his home. He was a gentle and thoughtful soul with an extraordinary mind.

He will be sadly missed by his mother, Donna Underwood of Indiana; stepmother, Louverne Higinbotham of Virginia; his children, Megan (Ryan) Porter of Virginia, Drew Higinbotham of Indiana, and Lauren (Brent) Carlisle of Indiana; brother and sister, Mark (Jen) Higinbotham of California and Marcia (Adam) Huffman of Portugal; stepbrothers, John (Angie) Underwood, Jr. of Georgia and Bruce Maxey of Virginia; stepsister, Angela (Tim) Ramsay of Virginia; grandchildren, Vaughn, Otto, and Vivian Porter of Virginia, and Eleanor and Killian Carlisle of Indiana; nephews, Aric Forbing of Indiana and Alex (Megan) Higinbotham of California; close friends, Tim (Sharon) Franklin, and Jon (Joy) Neer of Ohio, and girlfriend, Susan (Kast) Friedrich, of Florida.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Milton Ferrell Higinbotham, Jr.; his niece, Vanessa Forbing, and his close friend, Denny (Laura) Smith.

A burial ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, at Walnut Grove Cemetery, 9772 Ridge Road, Delphos. Pastor Michael Harper will officiate. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at The 1882 Reserve, 11756 Bockey Road, Delphos. All family and friends are welcome.

Arrangements were entrusted to Harper Funeral Homes, Albion & Avilla.