Michael Ray Higgins passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023, at the age of 75, following a long illness.  Mike was born in Tulsa on February 1, 1948, to Burl Brenton Higgins and Imogene Wanda (Ward) Higgins.  The oldest of three children, from a modest one-bedroom home on the Sand Springs line, Mike grew up with a desire to serve others.  Upon graduation from Central High School in 1966, Mike joined the United States Army to support the country's mission in Vietnam.  Before leaving for bootcamp, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Phillis "Carlean" Rotramel on March 31, 1967.  Once deployed, he served in the first air cavalry, rising to the ranks of Drill Sergeant, before being honorably discharged on May 1, 1973, following a year of service in standby reserve.  When he returned to the United States, Mike utilized his GI Bill to secure his associate degree from Tulsa Junior College and applied for three positions: a postman, a fireman, and a policeman – pledging to take the job from the first organization to call him back.  On February 7, 1972, he officially joined the Tulsa Police Department where he would serve in positions including patrol officer, undercover investigations, and warrant's detective until his retirement on March 31, 2000, after 28 years of service.  When working for Tulsa Police Department, he also found part-time jobs working at community banks, Tulsa International Airport, and Tulsa Junior College.  Upon retirement from TPD, he began working full time at Tulsa Community College and was promoted to Campus Police Chief until his second retirement in 2013.  Beyond his years of service to his country and community, Mike enjoyed spending time outdoors where he and Carlean would often go camping at Lake Keystone, fishing and hunting.  Mike was an avid Oklahoma Sooner fan, enjoyed traveling to the beaches of South Texas, and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Mike is survived by his wife, Carlean Higgins, and his children Kimberly Bennett of Tulsa, Brent Higgins (Staci) of Sand Springs, and Ryan Higgins (Alexis) of Sand Springs; grandchildren Ashley Nichols, Allyson Martin (Curt), Lexi Nichols, Znick Ferrell, America Higgins, Mary Fletcher (Tye), and Owen Higgins; eight great-grandchildren; sister Brenda Wren and brother Craig Higgins (Teresa) and an extended family.

A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel. For those unable to attend the funeral live web stream will be available at: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/92689

Public visitation will be Friday, September 22, 2023, from 4 PM to 8 PM at the funeral home.

Donations may be made to: Tulsa Police Foundation 4613 East 91st Street Tulsa, OK  74137 https://tpdfoundation.org/donate/