Billyjohn Rainbow

Billyjohn Rainbow (formerly John William Higar), 84, of Indianapolis, died peacefully on October 7th after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born in Rockford, IL on January 11, 1927, then raised in Coal City, IN. He later moved to Indianapolis to pursue work as an artist. He painted landscapes and portraits at The Black Curtain Dinner Theater where he would start and complete a painting during the course of the show- often entertaining the audience by painting it 'upside down' and turning it 'right side up' only when it was complete. He was also commissioned to paint a 65' x 10' mural on the outside of the Heidelberg Cafe on Pendleton Pike in 1981. He was an amazing artist, poet, carpenter and gardener who loved music, nature and animals. He leaves behind his long-time companion, Dolly Davis; and his daughter Linda Redifer (Jess). He was preceded in death by his son, John William Higar, Jr., and granddaughter, Misty Dawn Newport. He is also survived by three stepchildren, Scott Davis (Lisa); Susan Davis DeVine; and Michael Davis; 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. A celebration of Billyjohn's life will be held at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center- Broad Ripple on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 1:00pm with visitation from 11 AM -1 PM. Interment will be in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family would like to thank St. Vincent Hospice for their kind and loving care. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan