Evelyn Lucille Highsmith

Evelyn Lucille (Koch) Highsmith, age 87, of Hondo passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2009. Born Aug. 5, 1921, she was the daughter of Robert August and Nettie Lucy (Pichot) Koch. Evelyn worked for several businesses and was well liked and well known. She retired at the age of 70 after 20 years with Hondo Produce. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Barbara Highsmith Lukes; brothers, Roy, Floyd and R.J. Koch; and granddaughter, Karla Rae Highsmith. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Henry Milton Highsmith; sons, Ray Allen and wife Brenda of Houston, James Orville "Jim" and wife Janice and Claude Jerome "Fletch" and wife D., all of Hondo; daughter, Kay Evelyn Passmore and husband Ricky of Pleasanton; sisters, Gertrude Hester Moebius and Catherine "Kate" Highsmith, both of Hondo; brothers, Charles Henry "Beaner" Koch and wife June of Ballinger and Donald Koch and wife Pat of Abilene. She is also survived by grandchildren: Lisa Barhorst and husband Warren, Monte Highsmith and wife Holly, all of Houston; Sarah Burk and husband Glenn of Rankin; Scott Highsmith of Austin; Christie Wiginton and Melanie Highsmith, both of Kerrville; Robert Lukes and Jeanine Lukes, both of Pacific, WA; John Lukes and wife Lisa of Thailand; Michael Barber of Sanger; Gary Barber of Denton; and Elizabeth Simpson of Houston; and 18 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9, with Rosary recited at 10:30 a.m., followed by Funeral Mass at 11 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Pallbearers are Monte Highsmith, Michael Barber, Gary Barber, Scott Highsmith, Robert Lukes and Mark Wiginton. Interment will be at Hondo Cemetery, St. John's Section. The family suggests memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Assn.