Carl D. Higbea, 80 of Defiance, OH passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Defiance Regional Medical Center. Carl was born July 29, 1934 in Defiance to Donald and Clara (Wesche) Higbea. He graduated from Jewell High School in 1952. He served his country at Ft. Knox in the US Army. On July 28th, 1962, Carl married Bernadine Panning, and she survives. He was a lifelong farmer and served on the Jewell Grain Board, PCA Board, Farm Credit Services Board, and the National Farm Credit Council. He was inducted into the Defiance County Agricultural Hall of Fame in March 2015. He was also very active in St. Mark Lutheran Church and served in many different positions on the church council, and taught Sunday school for several years. He earned his private pilot's license in 1969 and continued to earn additional ratings and then flew some commercial freight flights out of the Bryan Airport. Recreational flying was one of the things that he enjoyed most in life until health issues restricted his license. Carl is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Bernadine Higbea of Defiance, his three children; John (Connie) Higbea, Jean (Burdette) Meyer, and Jerry (Kelly) Higbea, all of Defiance. He has 8 grandchildren; Megan (Jimmie) Ruffner, Jacob Meyer, Cassandra, Craig, and Carl J. Higbea, Drew, Luke, and Nick Higbea, and his siblings; Carol (Lester) Sanders and D. Lee (Kathy) Higbea, both of Defiance, OH. Carl was preceded in death by his parents. He always enjoyed being active. Carl played baseball and softball locally at St. Mike's and Archbold for many years. He started bowling again in the 1980's and continued until now. After retirement he picked up his golf clubs again and golfed in multiple leagues at St. Mikes Golf Course. He also enjoyed playing cards with his friends and family. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am, on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, with Rev. Robbie Ketcham, officiating.  Interment at St. Mark Lutheran Cemetery will be immediately following the services. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 8:00 pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at the Schaffer Funeral Home, INC in Defiance, Ohio and one hour before the Funeral Service at the church. Memorials in Carl's memory may be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Memorial Fund & American Heart Association, or Donor's Choice. Online condolences may be left at www.SchafferFH.com