Ottis Ray Highbaugh

1926 - 2024

Ottis Ray Highbaugh, 98, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown.

Ottis was a lifelong resident of Bonnieville except for the last few years in which he was a resident of Tender Touch Assisted Living in Elizabethtown.

Ottis was born in Bonnieville on Jan. 23, 1926, to Thurman and Addie King Highbaugh. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Faye Caswell Highbaugh; infant son, Michael Highbaugh; daughter, Rita Highbaugh; brothers, George and Clifford Highbaugh; sister, Hartswell Bowen Lynch; and son-in-law, Richard Haslar.

Survivors include his daughter, Shirley Haslar and Benita (Terry) Buckles of Elizabethtown; his son, Tim Highbaugh of Munfordville; grandchildren, Sean (Vicky) Young of Bowling Green, Chris (Lynn) Young of Elizabethtown, Kasey (Matthew Blazejewski) Buckles of South Bend, Indiana, Kelly (David) Fish of Nashville, Tennessee, Thad (Jen) Highbaugh of Lexington and Lindsay (Collin) Gamble of Louisville; great-grandchildren, Zack, Isaac, Logan and Gavan Young, Myla and Luke Blazejewski, Lofton Fish, Elliana, Emery and Aria Highbaugh and Sutton Claire Gamble; a sister, Martha "Midget" Blackburn; a sister-in-law, Jane Highbaugh; and several nieces and nephews.

Ottis was proud to be a World War II veteran. He served in the Navy aboard the USS Nashville in the Pacific Theater. Ottis graduated from Munfordville High School after completing his service in the Navy. It was then he met Faye Caswell, the love of his life, marrying her in 1947. They were married for 71 years. Together they raised their family in Bonnieville and were always so proud of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was a barber in Bonnieville for 60 years. He was very involved in community service. He was a founding member of the Bonnieville Merchants Association. He was Bonnieville's first mayor and later served an additional term as mayor. He was manager of Memory Park Cemetery and served as manager of the Bonnieville Ball Park for many years. He could be seen many nights, after barbering all day, umpiring baseball and softball games at the park. He was a longtime member of the Bonnieville Volunteer Fire Department. Ottis was honored for his community service by being named a Kentucky Colonel.

He was the oldest and longest living member of Bonnieville Baptist Church where he was a member for 73 years. He served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and Sunday School superintendent.

Ottis loved his family, his church, his community and his country. Most of all he loved Jesus and wanted all he met to know how they could become a Christian by accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

In the last few years of his life, he lived at Tender Touch Assisted Living. The family is so appreciative of the wonderful caregivers there with a special thanks to Dee Johnson, executive director, for her kindness to Ottis and the family.

The funeral for Ottis Highbaugh is at 11 a.m. CST Saturday, Nov. 23, at Bonnieville Baptist Church with Bro. Jeremy Glaab officiating. Burial follows in Memory Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. CST Friday at Sego Funeral Home in Munfordville and continues at 9 a.m. CST Saturday at the church.