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Jerrel HIGHTOWER Obituary
HIGHTOWER, Jerrel Ray
'Jerry'
Born March 26, 1940 to Charles and Eugenia Hightower in Purcell, OK.
Jerrel Ray Hightower 'Jerry', a loving and gentle man, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 28, 2012 after a brief illness.
Jerry served his nation in both the Air National Guard and the Army and was proud of his veteran's status. As a civilian, he continued to serve the Air Force for 35 more years.
Jerry loved to dance, especially the two-step. He also was a pilot and enjoyed building (and flying) RC model planes and trains. He loved riding his Harley, even riding all the way to Canada and back with dear friends and his beloved wife, Karen.He will be remembered as a hard worker, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Karen Marie; his children, Cheryl Suit (Mike), Jeanette Rainey (Bryan), Jennifer Boring (Will), Jason Waggoner (Carol), Sheila Roth (Mike), Ryan Waggoner; his 11 precious grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
His family extends a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Kaiser Hospital - Morse for the special care Jerry received.
A Visitation will take place on Wed. May 2 from 3-6p.m. and Funeral Service on Thursday May 3 at 2:30p.m. Both will take place at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento (916) 451-7284. Interment will be private and held on a later date at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Jerry's name to the American Lung Association www.lung.org
He will be forever missed and always remembered!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerrel HIGHTOWER
Sponsored by Karen Hightower.
Karen Hightower-Baughn
February 16, 2020
Jerrel Ray Darling, I think of you often and miss you dearly. It's been almost 8 years since you died. Kiera is 10, Dylan is 12, and Andrew is 16. You asked that we not let Kiera forget you, and we haven't. We show her pictures of you and remind her how much you loved her. You're forever in our hearts. Rest in peace my love.
Jennifer Boring
May 1, 2017
It has been 5 years dad. They say the pain gets easier with time, so far it hasn't. You are missed and loved so very much dad.
Fran Truskey
July 3, 2012
Hi Jerry my name is Fran Truskey I met your wife Karen At the Widows Association group we have become very good friends, but I wish we never met because meeting her meant that I had to lose my husband Joe and she had to lose you all I can say is that Karen loves you very very much.
My husband Joe is over at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery with you , you guys should get to know each other go play some pool or have a good game of golf. Jerry rest in peace.
July 3, 2012
Jerrel Ray Darlin', I miss you and love you. You were such a loving husband, father, and grandfather. I have so many happy memories of our life together. I think of you all the time. Love, Karen Marie
May 26, 2012
I miss you everyday Dad. I drive by the airport in my new home town everyday and I wish you could be here so you could tell me about the planes.
Jennifer Boring
May 19, 2012
Thinking about you today and wishing I could call you to tell you I love you and just hear your voice. I miss you and love you dad.
Darrell Weiler
May 7, 2012
Dear Karen and Family,
So so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing and thankful of our get together last summer in Sask. We enjoyed your company and have some wonderful memories...hard for you all to loose such a great guy. Our loved ones live on in our hearts, we 're bigger for having known them , richer to have loved them!
Tracy Davis
May 5, 2012
Dear Karen,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. Jerry was a wonderful man. I think he left "heartprints" on everyone who was blessed to meet him that even he himself may have been unaware he gave to others. My daughter, Nevaeh, has been talking about him all week and how she came to your home to visit and he showed her his planes.
Karen, I can't remember any major event or crisis in my life when you were not there for me. I have always admired your kind heart and your strength. I hope those qualities you possess that I so admire along with the many years of beautiful memories with Jerry will help you get through this very sad and difficult time. I love you!
Please allow me to also extend my sincerest sympathies to all of Jerry and Karen's family and loved ones. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Maryann and John Little
May 4, 2012
Karen you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Maryann and John Little
Terry Gauvreau
May 2, 2012
Karen and Family, I was shocked to hear about Jerry's passing. I will remember, with fondness, our times in Saskatchewan together with you and Jerry, and all the rest of the family. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
mark and mandy
May 2, 2012
the world has lost a very sweet man and a wonderful uncle. we love you jerry and miss you. give grandpa a hug for us.
Eugenie Davidsen
May 2, 2012
Hi Karen and family. We are so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. The pictures on this website really tell Jerry's story. Thanks.
Please know that we are caring and grieving for you all.
Cousin Eugenie and family in Canada
Brenda Biller
May 1, 2012
Karen you are in my thoughts and prayers. Wish I was there to give you a hug. Love Brenda
Gary Haltom
May 1, 2012
I was so sorry to hear this. Jerry and I worked together in the planning office at McClellan and I also got the opportunity to go flying with him.. We were probably one of the last planes to land at Phoenix field before it's closing.. Jerry and I had went for a flight up to Single Springs, buzzed our bosses house, Butch Gardner , flew back down through the river canyon at Folsom Lake and decided to go land at Phoenix Field and get a soda.. It was a great day with a great guy, friend and co-worker... He was a neat guy. May he rest in peace and fly again.
Leah Cherry
May 1, 2012
Karen, all my love to you and the family. Jerry's love and life will be with you always. It's so sad he had to leave us, but he will leave us all with wonderful memories.
Paul Peterson
May 1, 2012
Karen, It's Paul Peterson. I saw Jerry last on the day of our daughter's wedding. I ran into him at Enterprise. It was nice to see him. Melalee and I were just talking about him on the 28th which happens to be my Birthday. I liked him very much. We haven't been in contact with him for years, but I have thought of him often throughout the years. We were great roommates, coworkers and friends.
God bless him and God bless you Karen. I will miss his absence and always hoped to run into him again. Best Regards, Paul and Melalee
May 1, 2012
I will miss your quick smile and gentle sense of humor when I visit with Karen.
Thank you for being so kind & loving to my friend - I know you brought much joy to her life. Jean
May 1, 2012
Dear Karen and Family:
Sorry to hear of the passing of Jerry.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Was saddened to hear from Jean of the passing of Jerry.
Janet Kathan
Don and Linda Black
May 1, 2012
Dear Karen and Family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Jerry lives on in his children and grandchildren. We will miss him.
Carol Waggoner
May 1, 2012
We miss our Jerry so much already. Can't believe that you are in Heaven... I'm so thankful for the time that we had with you. Thank you for loving our Kiera McKenzie so unconditionally. Her memories of time with Gwampa Jerry will never be forgotten. You are a great man. We love you.
Carol & Jason & Kiera McKenzie
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Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home5401 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95819
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