N. Herman Hightower (Hartville)'s Obituary
Herman Hightower, Grovespring native and devoted husband of Claudine Hightower, departed this earthly life early Friday morning, November 21, 2014, at Hartville Care Center at the age of eighty-seven years, eight months and two days.
The seventh of eleven children, he was born Nuel Herman Hightower on March 19, 1927, to Charles Everett and Ollie Jane (Robertson) Hightower, near Grovespring, Missouri. He attended the rural Luallin School.
On May 26, 1951, in Mansfield, Missouri, the Rev. Jordan Bogart officiated the marriage of Herman Hightower to Claudine June Coltrane, and to this union a son and daughter were born. The Hightower family was later blessed with a second son. Herman bought a farm and built a home for his family where they raised their children and lived for 57 years until moving to town. Herman and Claudine were happily married for over 63 years.
Herman was a farmer at heart. His first real job was on a big farm in Kansas. He and Claudine milked dairy cows when they were first married. He also worked outside the farm. For several years he had a route and hauled milk for Kraft. Herman also drove a school bus for Hartville schools, worked at Marshfield Casket Company and Lee Calton Pallet Mill. He retired from Hutchins Steel in 1992, after 23 years of employment.
Herman was a man of the Lord. He was saved and baptized at an early age in the waters of Elk Creek. He’d said it was winter time when he was baptized and his clothes were frozen before he could get back home. Herman spent all of his years as a member of Elk Creek Southern Baptist Church where he served as a deacon from November of 1955 until his passing. A devoted member, he also spent time as Sunday school superintendent and teacher, and song leader.
A pastime near and dear to their hearts, Herman and Claudine and good friends, Rita and Chet Shaver, made up the “Hillsiders Quartet.” For 40 years, and with Herman singing bass, the quartet performed at venues all over the state, at all kinds of festivals and public functions.
Herman’s passion was horses; he was a member of the Missouri Foxtrot Association. He enjoyed trail riding with his friends; also, showing in the Senior Citizen Class of the South Central Horse Show Association.
In addition to his parents Charles and Ollie Hightower, Herman was preceded in death by three sisters, Grace Kelsay, Dulcia Childers, and Delores Shaddy; and two brothers, Dalton Hightower and Clifford Hightower.
He leaves behind his loving wife Claudine of the home; son, Wade Hightower and wife Patty, of Hartville; daughter, Carla Potts and husband Tom, of Lebanon, Missouri; son, Ronnie Hightower and wife LaDonna, of Hartville; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ezra Hightower and Frank Hightower, both of Hartville; three sisters, Edna Burris of Hartville; Betty Gray and husband Jim, of Alamosa, Colorado; and Glennis Hogan of Grovespring; special friend Bruce Keith; and many more extended family, church family, and dear friends and neighbors.
Herman never met a stranger. He was a very social person who dearly loved his family and friends and loved to meet new people. His smile was bright and a mile-wide and he was cheerful all of the time. Herman will be remembered by all as a very caring and big-hearted man. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, a caring and loyal brother, and a friend to all. He has left a legacy for his family and built a lifetime of memories and moments that will be treasured forever in the hearts of all of those who were blessed enough to know and love him.
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