Rudy K. Higginbotham, 79, of Columbia, KY passed away Friday, December 5, 2025, at the V.A. Hospice Cottages in Lexington, KY. He was born in Ono, KY on January 24, 1946, to the late Raymond and Ertress Flanagan Higginbotham.

Mr. Higginbotham was a member of the Columbia Christian Church, formerly serving as an Elder and Deacon. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the U. S. Army. Rudy was an active member of the community, retiring as Soil Conservationist for the USDA, and served as a former board member of the Adair County Water District and Airport Board. He enjoyed restoring antique farm equipment and spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Rebecca J. Hopper Higginbotham of Columbia, KY; a son Patrick Higginbotham (Erica) of Lexington, KY; three grandchildren Elliot, Aubrey and Evelyn Higginbotham all of Lexington, KY and a sister Judith Rogers (David) of Somerset, KY.

Funeral services will be 1:00pm Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with burial in the Russell Springs City Cemetery. Full military honors will be provided by VFW Post 6097.

Visitation will be on Saturday from 4:00-8:00pm and will continue Sunday morning until time for the service at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home.

Bro. John Davis and Bro. Adam Shepard will be officiating, and pallbearers will be Brent Jones, Matthew Hopper, Jansen Hopper, Owen Woodrum, Tony Massey, and Grayson Blankenship. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Propes, John Ballou, Hubert Bomar, Jackie Aaron, Mark Myers, and Ronnie Zimmerman.