Brett Edwin Higginbotham
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Brett Edwin Higginbotham, age 51, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away at home surrounded by family on May 18, 2025, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Brett was born on August 3, 1973, and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. He dedicated over two decades of his life in service to his country, proudly serving in the Air Force Air National Guard and the Army National Guard. He served his country with honor and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant from the 190th Security Forces. His commitment, strength, and quiet leadership left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of serving beside him.
Above all, Brett loved his family deeply. He is survived by his daughters, Sierra Higginbotham (Juan Portillo) and Averi Higginbotham; his beloved grandchildren, Jaimeson and Liam Higginbotham Portillo; and his spouse, Ann Bruer. He is also survived by his mother, Catherine Carpenter, and stepfather, Craig Carpenter; his stepmother, Linda Higginbotham; and his brother, Shawn Higginbotham (Amanda). He was preceded in death by his father, David Higginbotham.
Brett found joy in the simple things: casting a line while fishing with friends, exploring new places, and spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. He was known for his strength, loyalty, patience, and quiet kindness — a steady presence and source of comfort to those who knew and loved him.
Some of Brett’s proudest moments were seeing Averi graduate from high school and welcoming his grandchildren into the world — milestones that filled him with pride and purpose.
Visitation will be 2pm, Saturday, May 31, 2025 followed by a Celebration of Brett’s life at 3pm, at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, 802 NW Vesper St, Blue Springs, Missouri 64015. The family welcomes anyone who knew him to join in honoring his memory.
As the lyrics of Hotel California and Fields of Gold echo in our hearts, we remember a man whose legacy of love, service, and strength will live on in the lives of those he touched.
He truly will be missed. Always someone you could count on to give you the best advice, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. Honest to the core, wish we had more like him to learn from.
Deeply sorry for your loss. A loss felt deeply by his military family as well. I will never forget our last conversation after he got the lung cancer diagnosis. His biggest concern was his family and just wanted to live life to it’s fullest. He taught us all so much about life as much as how to face death. He was the bravest man I know.
I am so sorry for your loss. I served with Brett at the 190th. He was a great leader, mentor and friend. He genuinely cared about his people and it showed daily through his actions. So many memories and stories to tell. A man of his character and caliber are rare and hard to replace. You will be missed, and never forgotten.
Sincere condolences to the entire family. I went to Our Lady of Unity with Brett and he was always the nicest guy! Sad to hear of his passing.
I am so sorry for your loss. I served with Brett in Afghanistan where he performed his duties with distinction.
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend Your servant, Brett. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech You, a sheep of Your own fold, a lamb of Your own flock, a sinner of Your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of Your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
I remember Brett as a man of honor and someone who truly cared about not just the people who were closest to him but also for those who worked alongside him. He was especially important to my late husband Todd, and took time out of his schedule to visit him in his toughest days, post-deployment. I will forever be grateful for that- my kids especially. He was a humble individual, a great person that many people aspired to be, and at the same time, could relate to. Your Family is in my family’s prayers. God bless his soul and much strength and love to the Family during this difficult time.
Brett was the sweetest soul and always a great friend when we were in high school together. To know him was a blessing and my prayers are with his family as you navigate through this difficult time. I wish I could attend his celebration of life but will be out of town. I will pray for strength and healing as you navigate through this difficult time, I hope the love you receive from those of us who knew him helps to carry you through. Much love, hugs and prayers to you all.
Deeply sorry to hear
Brett was such a kind person and a wonderful dad. I know he will be deeply missed by his family. I am so sorry.
So very very sorry.
May strength and peace be with your family.
My sincerest condolences. Such a strong, caring, loving, patient man that lived life with such grace and the biggest smile! His love for his daughters and grandchildren was beyond measure. He will be so greatly missed. And will always be watching and taking care of all of you from above. Love you all! ❤️
I served with Brett at the 190th Air Refueling Wing, in SFS. He was a great leader, mentor and friend. He will be missed. RIP Chief.
Brett was a Friend and a Comrade in Arms, he Man of Honor and integrity and one Heck of a Fisherman! I could talk all day and not scratch the surface on Brett, I will pray to the Lord to smooth out the road to ease their pain! I will Miss Brett!
My condolences to Brett’s family and friends. As a retired member of the 190th, anytime one of our members passes it is as if a little piece of us goes with them. May the God of Love give you His peace in this time.
A good man, and gone too soon. Condolences to Brett’s family.
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Brett. Our hearts go out to all of you during this tough time. We hope you find strength in the love and support of family and friends.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. As a fellow brother in Arms and retired member of the Air Force, I grieve for the loss of another warrior. Our deepest sympathies.
so sorry to hear of Brett’s passing, he was a very nice guy and a great leader and role model for everyone to look up to. I worked with Brett at the 190th ARW and it was always a pleasure to work with or talk to him, RIP my friend, you fought a great battle.
I am truly saddened by the passing of Brett. It was an absolute privilege and honor to be associated, and serve with Brett at the 190th Air Refueling Wing / Security Forces. He was an Outstanding Chief and a true leader, who served with integrity and always led by example.
God Bless
A true gentleman who touched the hearts of everyone he met and served with. I met Bret in Afghanistan and he led his team with respect and strength. I don’t doubt he will be missed and remembered fondly. Rest in peace, brothers forever
Sierra and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your dad, but you’ve so captured and paid tribute to such an honorable and humble man in his obituary that I feel I knew him. Veterans hold a special place in my heart and his service is so appreciated. May his memory be a blessing to you and yours.
I have been praying the daily rosary since March 2020. Brett and his family are always included. I am a cousin of Cathy Carpenter.
I remember Brett and his little six week old brother, Shawn, coming to visit with Cathy here in Santa Monica, California.
Brett was a little treasure. Many years later we went to visit the family in the Lake of the Ozarks. Brett and Shawn were so great
to their cousins from California. Many years later I saw him again at Shawn’s wedding in Seattle. He was so handsome.
Brett is a great blessing to Cathy and Shawn and their whole families.
May he rest in the arms of the Father in heaven. Blessings to all who have known him and loved him.
Patricia Dowling
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends as I am very sorry to hear the news of his loss. I worked with Brett regarding Security for a number of high emphasis several-day events. He was extremely dedicated, professional and a top-notch asset to the 190th Air Refueling Wing.
CMSgt (R) Higginbotham’s legacy of leadership is still felt throughout the Security Forces Squadron. His approach, characterized by genuine care and unwavering commitment to developing airmen through honest feedback and guidance, set the standard. Brett’s influence shaped the careers of many, and his mentorship is reflected in the leadership of those he inspired. He will be greatly missed.
Though we didn’t know Brett as well as we would have liked, we always saw a smile on his face and the determination to beat his illness. We live across the street from him, and it was always a joy to see him. He loved his girls and grands and it is such a shame to lose such a kind and special man that he was. Thank you, Brett for your service, it is very impressive. God bless you and your family.
Brett was one of the oldest friends I’ve had. My condolences to the family for their loss. Brett will truly be missed.
Thoughts and prayers for all the family. Brett was a great person and friend. Our condolences. Larry and Diane.
I knew Brett through the Live Strong program at the Y. He was a very kind and caring man who never gave up. He will be deeply missed.
Condolences to the family.
Dianna & Gary C.