Christopher "Chris" Curtis Higgs

It’s hard to put into words what we’ve lost and what we were lucky enough to have in Christopher Curtis Higgs, who passed away on October 2, 2025, at the age of 76. Born in Bryan/College Station, Texas, Chris lived a big, wholehearted life full of love, music, laughter, and Aggie pride.

 

He grew up in Port Arthur, TX, with four rowdy brothers and two saintly parents who somehow kept them all in line. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Jan, and together they built a life in Austin filled with laughter, adventure, and devotion. They raised two kids, Allie and Curtis, who knew from the start that their dad was a mix of strong hands, a soft heart, and a quick wit. Their partnership was steady and real - a true love story that only grew deeper over 55 years.

 

In late 70s, Chris and his brothers ran an auto repair shop, the Higgs Brothers, where he became known for fixing just about anything. Earning a degree in engineering had always been a lifelong dream, and in his forties, he made it happen. He went back to school while working full time, coaching both kids’ baseball and softball teams, and still managing to be fully present for his family. Even though he was “forced” to go to t.u., he wore an Aggie shirt almost every day and was proudly known as “Mr. Aggie.” He went on to earn his degree in architectural engineering and managed projects across Texas. From churches to credit unions, his fingerprints are on buildings that still stand strong today, much like the values he lived by.

 

But work was never what defined him. Music was in his soul. As a keyboard player for the band Longtooth, he filled every room he played in with joy and rhythm. He loved a good jam, a good beat, and a good time, especially if it involved his friends, a beach, and maybe an avocado or two.

 

He was happiest surrounded by family, dogs, sunshine, and a little chaos. Whether coaching his kids’ teams, teaching his grandkids how to laugh loudly and live fully, or sharing a cold Corona with lime on the beach, he poured his heart into every moment.

 

Their family ranch in Llano was his peace. Cows, hills, and open sky made it his happy place. He was also a proud Aggie to the end, maroon and white through and through.

 

He will be remembered for his music, his humor, his fierce love for his family, and his ability to make everyone around him feel seen and cared for. His heart was huge, his hugs were real, and he had a way of making people laugh even when things were hard. No matter the moment, he could find the light and share it with everyone around him.

 

Chris is survived by his loving wife, Jan; his daughter, Allie, and son-in-law, Ty; and his two grandsons, Kaden and Wyatt; his son, Curtis, and daughter-in-law, Ashley; and his two granddaughters, Edie and Harlow. He will be missed beyond words and loved beyond measure.

 

A celebration of Chris’s life will be held on October 25 at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 1201 Lavaca Street, Austin TX 78701. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society or First United Methodist Church(996 Grace for Generations Capital Campaign).