Cover photo for Rev. Darwin E. Highlen's Obituary
Rev. Darwin E. Highlen Profile Photo
1963 Rev. Darwin 2024

Rev. Darwin E. Highlen

September 23, 1963 — May 8, 2024

Vassar

Rev. Darwin Earl Highlen, age 60, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Darwin was born on September 23, 1963, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Clare & Betty (Putnam) Highlen. He earned his bachelor's degree in theology and served his Lord as a pastor for over 34 years. Darwin was the longtime pastor of Holiness Missionary Church in Vassar and was involved with the Vassar Ministerial Association. On June 11, 1988, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Nancy Grimshaw. Together they shared almost 36 years of marriage, raised their daughter, Rebekah, and formed countless memories. Darwin loved time spent with his friends at coffee hour. Further, he liked working on his cars and collecting Bibles. He also enjoyed singing with his friends, entertaining little children, and being a “blessing” to all who knew him. Above all, Darwin loved his family.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Highlen; daughter, Rebekah Faythe Highlen; brothers, Dale (Phyllis) Highlen, and Delbert (Nedra) Highlen; sisters, Joyce Ann Highlen, Wilma Bailey, and Eva (Nathan) Parker; as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Darwin was preceded in death by his parents, Clare & Betty; and sister, Marilyn Highlen.

The Highlen family will welcome visitors to Vassar Baptist Church (5880 Frankenmuth Rd, Vassar, MI 48768) from 1-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Funeral services for Darwin will be at the Vassar Baptist Church at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024. Rev. Terry Bailey will officiate. Interment to follow in West Dayton Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the family discretionary fund.

Kindly share a memory with Darwin’s family in the guestbook below.

Rev. Darwin and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Vassar. 1148 W. Saginaw Rd., Vassar, MI 48768. Phone (989) 823-8621.

Hanlin Funeral Homes - Serving Since 1928
Millington & Vassar

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rev. Darwin E. Highlen, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, May 16, 2024

1:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Funeral Service

Friday, May 17, 2024

Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)

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Interment

Friday, May 17, 2024

West Dayton Cemetery

Mayville, MI 48744

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Guestbook

Visits: 1935

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