Michael "Mike" Alden Higinbotham

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

The burial ceremony will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Walnut Grove Cemetery, 9772 Ridge Road, Delphos, Ohio. Pastor Ron Johnson will officiate.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held from 1-5pm, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at The 1882 Reserve, 11756 Bockey Road, Delphos, Ohio. All family and friends are welcome.

Care of the Higinbotham family by Harper Funeral Homes, Albion & Avilla

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