Billy Earl Hightower

Billy Earl Hightower, retired New Braunfels High School teacher, passed away on Sunday, February 17, 2002 at his residence in New Braunfels. Born in 1922 to William Henry and Cepha (Haney) Hightower, he received his BBA Degree from the University of Texas in Austin and his Masters Degree from Southwest Texas State College. He became a member of New Braunfels High School faculty in 1958, and, except for a six year interruption as an Administrative Supervlsor at Gary Job Corps Center in San Marcos, continued his work as a teacher and Counselor at New Braunfels High School until he retired. After retirement he taught Driving Safety Classes in the New Braunfels School District Community Education Program for nine years. He served as President of the New Braunfels Chapters of Texas State Teachers Association, Texas Class Room Teachers Association, and New Braunfels High School Parent-Teachers Association. He was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was organizer of the William Hightower Chapter--Sons of the American Revolution, which was named in memory of his ancestor. He became State President and a National Officer in this Society. He was a member of the Methodist Church. He served his country in World War II as a Radio Operator Gunner on a B-17 bomber in the 8th Air Force, flying 27 Combat missions over Germany. He was wounded on June 14, 1944---a week after D Day in Europe--and was returned "Back to the States." After the war his comrades elected him president of their 457th Bomb Group Association. He was a holder of the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the European Theatre ribbon with three battle stars, and the Presidential Unit Citation. He is survived by his wife, Gladys; three daughters, Gale Bretzke and her husband Mike, and grandsons, Clint and Bobby Bretzke; daughter, June Orr, grandson, Reece Orr, granddaughter, Joy Orr; Daughter, Pamela Hightower and husband Donald Timmerman. Also surviving is stepdaughter, Shirley Williams and husband Dr. Bill Williams, and their daughters, Sharon Cutbirth and husband Dr. Steve Cutbirth, Susan Miller and husband Jeffery Miller; great-grandchildren, Hailey Lynn Bretzke, Catherine and Caroline Cutbirth, and Jeffery Pierce Miller and Blaise Miller. Visitation will be held on Monday from 3:00 P.M. until Service time on Tuesday. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Funeral Services are scheduled for Tuesday, February 19, 2002 at 2:00 P.M. at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home in New Braunfels with The Rev. Joseph Ray officiating. Burial will follow at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given to the ALS Association. DOEPPENSCHMIDT FUNERAL HOME 189 NORTH SEGUIN AVENUE NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS 78130 (830) 625-3434