Elton Thomas "Al" Hight

Elton Thomas "Al" Hight was born February 19th, 1935 to Jesse Leo and Lulu Mae "Russell" Hight on a farm near Coleridge, NE., joining 4 brothers and 6 sisters. Al was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, sibling, uncle, and even was an honorary grandfather to several little ones.
Al attended country school until his family moved to Hartington, NE where his father bought a farm and ran a dairy business. He attended Hartington Public Schools. He helped his father milk, morning and evening, and helped with the milk delivery, before attending school. When he was 14 his 69-year-old father's eyesight failed and his father applied to the Sheriff for permission for Al to drive the car when they delivered milk in the morning. Al eventually moved to IA where many of his family members lived. He worked various jobs for farmers, for Ocoma Foods and was working on a farm north of Lohrville when he met Miriam Moulds at the skating rink in Lake City. They became engaged later that year and were married on Feb. 6, 1955, at the Presbyterian Church in Lake City. Al was working at a garage in Carroll and Miriam was working as a secretary at McVay Memorial Hospital. Later Al began working at Central Bi-Products in Lake City as a route driver. They moved to a small home north of Central Bi Products and Miriam became secretary for the business. Their three children were born while they lived there. In 1960 the family moved to a home in Lake City and in 1965 purchased their home on Madison St. where they formed many lifelong friendships in the neighborhood. Al went to work for Matthews Hdw. and learned the plumbing and heating trade. In 1970 he purchased the plumbing and heating part of the business from Lew Matthews. He had several employees over the years until the 1980' farm crisis hit, and he retained John Daisy as his only employee for the remainder of his business career. They too formed a lifelong friendship. Al was known for his knowledge of the plumbing, heating, water, and well work that he did. He was frequently called out in very cold weather to fix a pump or a broken waterer. He was proud of his trucks and kept them and his cars immaculate.
Through the years the first club he belonged to was the Jaycees, where he made many friends and was disappointed when he became too old for that organization. He felt honored when he was asked to join the Lake City Fire Department and served there for 19 years. In later years he joined the Lake City Lions Club and took part in many community projects. He even used his pump truck to put the roof on the gazebo in the City Square. He was very saddened when the local Lions Club folded. Al has been very active in the Lake City Union Church and was currently serving on the Administrative Session. Al was a big fan of Iowa State and loved watching the Football and Basketball teams play and enjoyed many years of tailgating.
Al leaves to mourn his wife of 69 years, Miriam, his daughter Janna (Bruce) Amendt, of Urbandale, IA., son Randall of Pawleys Island, SC, and his daughter, Brenda (Dan) Hucka, of Ankeny, IA. Grandchildren include Danae (Ben) Branson, Alexandria, MN., and children Montana (Adam) Hoeper, Alexandria, MN, Cody Branson (fiancé Camryn Hoffarth), Denver, CO, and Boone Branson; Breanne (Lucas) Marpe of Gilbert, IA and their sons Paul and Cole; Ben (Heather) Hucka, Nora Springs, IA and daughters Autumn and Avery; Jennifer (Joe) Eickman of Wichita, KS and daughter Evelyn; Kathryn (John) Schneider, Manning, IA and sons Henry and Leonard; Tom (P.J.) Kokias-Hight of Norwalk, CT; and Ashley Hight (Tim Richer) of New York, NY his sister Darie Heck, of Littleton, CO, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jesse Leo and Lulu Mae Hight, his mother and father in law Guy and Christena Moulds, 5 sisters & 6 brothers in law; 4 brothers and their spouses; and his beloved daughter-in-law Beverley Carmena Hight and many nieces and nephews.
Al's family was very important to him and over the years they enjoyed many camping vacations. Al loved music and particularly enjoyed singing with his family on the frequent 3-hour trips to see his parents. In retirement Al and Miriam were blessed by being able to spend many winters in Yuma, AZ and Alamo, TX, and made many new friends. Al was known for his work ethic, sense of humor, his love of people, his caring personality, and as one nephew said, "His iconic laugh". His family will always cherish the example of his strong faith and his unwavering commitment to those he loved.
A Memorial Service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at the Lake City Union Church in Lake City, Iowa with a Visitation from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Friday at the Lampe and Powers Funeral Home in Lake City, Iowa.