Robert Highfield

Robert N. (Bob) Highfield, 92, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025, while surrounded by his family.

Bob was born in Toledo, Ohio to Norris Corwin and Mona Kelley Highfield, but moved to Washington Court House, where he spent the rest of his life. He was proud to have attended and graduated from Washington High School in 1951. He attended The Ohio State University, College of Agriculture.

He was manager of the Pure Oil Bulk Plant and manager of Case Power and Equipment before becoming a realtor and broker. He retired as Fayette County's first Economic Development Director and was instrumental in bringing the first outlet mall to Fayette County. He also worked for Midland Acres, pursuing his love of horses.

After retirement, Bob spent most of his time tending to his award-winning Pure-Bred Dorset Sheep, showing locally, statewide and nationally. He spent 45 years as Director of the sheep department and the sheep barn at The Ohio State Fair. He was inducted into The Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame in 1998.

Bob was very involved with the community. He was elected and served for over 20 years on the Washington City School Board of Education and served for 12 years on the Board of Great Oaks Joint Vocational Schools. He was a member of the Rotary Club, Fayette County Board of Realtors, the Ohio Hospice of Fayette County board of directors, a member of the Farm Bureau, the Fayette County Harness Horseman's Association and the Ohio Continental Dorset Club.

He was a lifelong member of WCH Grace Methodist Church, serving as chairman of the trustees, on the pastor-parish committee and received an award for serving over 50 years as an usher.

Bob was a great servant to his church, country, community and his many friends, but most important was his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack Highfield, two sisters-In-law, Helen Highfield, Rita Frederick Deffenbaugh; two brothers-in-Law, Mark and Tim Frederick and his mother-in-law and father In-law, Gladys and Austin Frederick.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Linda (Frederick) Highfield; five children, Debbie (Lance) Parker of The Villages, FL; Pamela Atkinson of Washington Court House, OH; Robin Highfield of Falls Church, VA; the Reverend Kevin Highfield of Cambridge, United Kingdom and Brian (Holly) Highfield of Sarasota, FL; five grandchildren; Harry, Michael and Jacob Atkinson, Sarah Maltby and Austin Highfield; eight great grandchildren; a sister, Mary (Phil) Grover; two brothers, Dick and Ed Highfield; two sisters-in-law, Peg Highfield and Gayle (Bruce) Denen and a brother-in-law, David Frederick. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and very good friends.

The funeral is scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11 a.m. at WCH Grace Methodist Church, 301 E. Market Street, Washington, Court House, OH, with visitation one hour before the service.

A luncheon will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church.

Cremation and burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Robert N. Highfield Memorial Scholarship Fund, for both the Washington City Schools and Miami Trace Schools, to continue his legacy in education. To donate, visit www.highfieldscholarship.highlifeactivated.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com