Thomas Owen Highley age 63, of Clancy, was called home to God, surrounded by his loved ones, on Thursday, March 28, 2013 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Tom was born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 24, 1949 to Fred Owen Highley and Evelyn Marie Highley (Ott). Tom grew up in St. Louis and was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam. On September 12, 1967 Tom married Karen Jane Fears at the Lafayette Park Baptist Church in St. Louis. Tom and Karen had two daughters, Tracey Lynn and Misty Anne. In 1992 Tom and his family moved from St. Louis to Helena where Tom became the owner of the successful Contract Systems, Inc, and partner of Computer Consulting Corporation.
Tom was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Throughout his life he exemplified the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity, while remembering the importance of putting family first. Tom was quick to laugh and see the humor in just about any situation; and that although life may be short, it is to be enjoyed. He had an infectious laugh that his family and friends will remember forever. Always willing to try new things, he loved to travel to new places and he became a skilled horseman in his 50’s. Tom was an avid movie buff, loved playing the blues and jazz on his guitars, and taking his friends out to long business lunches. He had an aptitude for making friends; everyone he met appreciated his cheerful personality and quick wit. He could often be found in his garage restoring his 1963 Principality of Monaco Thunderbird, or driving around in his red Corvette.
Tom is survived by his wife Karen of 45 years; two daughters, Tracey and Misty; seven grandchildren, Nathan, Charlotte, Madelaine, Scott, Justin, Matilda (Tilly), and Zachary; and six siblings, Fred Owen Highley, Jr, Debra Jean Highley, Ronald Highley, Helen Highley, Jack Binkley, and Roger Binkley.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Evelyn Highley, and his sister Vivian Hodge (Binkley).
His family will always remember one of his favorite sayings:
“It is simple. I loved them and they loved me.”
A time of remembrance service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral Liturgy will be said at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 6th, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 Ewing St. Interment with military honors will follow the Funeral Liturgy at Resurrection Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Time of Remembrance Service
6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday April 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Liturgy
1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m
Saturday April 6, 2013
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Rite of Committal
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 6, 2013
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Time of Remembrance Service
6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday April 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Liturgy
1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m
Saturday April 6, 2013
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Rite of Committal
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 6, 2013
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Share
Earl & Darlene Nelson says
Our condolences to Karen and her daughters and families. Tom was very special to us and we will miss him.
Karen Crogan says
Deepest gratitude for the past two weeks, especially the conversations with Tom, meeting daughter Tracy, seeing the pictures of the rest of the family, and getting to spend time with you, Karen. Blessings and peace.
Ronald Owen Highley says
Tom : I loved you like a brother should It’s just to bad that we had to be apart most of our lives God Bless you. Love you and yours Ron and family
John & Kathy Ramirez says
We’ll miss you Tom. Your goodness, humor, and optimism always found a way to shine through. We appreciated your caring and supportive guidance over the years that passed all-too-quickly. May God grant you peace, and send forth abundant love to your family. We are better people for having known you.
Shane and Catherine Echo says
Tom, we miss you today, tomorrow and will miss you every day. Your infectious humor, wit, smile, positive attitude and valuable advice can never be replaced or forgotten. You were and always will be a true friend. You were respected and liked by all who were lucky enough to have truly known you. Cathy and I feel very fortunate to have known you and Karen. This is what Tom was to friends and family. Now he is in Gods arms. Rest in peace Tom and we hope to see you again someday.
“My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you.”
Sherry Combs says
Tom, I will always remember the way you were so concerned and supportive for me when I was going through my own battle, never knowing you were going to fight your own bigger and longer battle yourself. Then the second time for me, you were there again, more concerned for me than yourself. You were a fighter to the very end. I will always Remember and Love You Forever.
David and Toni Schneider says
Tom, an old fashioned stand up guy with the right stuff! I’m proud to be a friend and spirit brother on my levels, some of which have just recently been discovered. Dinosaur brothers of course, from the days of IBM and large mainframe computers. Blues brother…I’ll dance to the Midnight Blues tomorrow at the Elk’s ballroom, thinking of Tom practicing the twelve-bar blues. Lunch buddy, usually Chinese, on a regular basis. Brother-In-Arms, for Tom’s quest to learn a new skill using a historic revolver. Business agent, drumming up work for me, and watching my back. Sharing the fun of jingling dollar coins in your pocket. Rest in peace, my friend, with never ending bowls of strawberries and vanilla ice cream…Big Iron Dave.
Marge and Chris Levine says
Tom was a wonderful neighbor and a most courageous man in his battle with cancer. We will miss seeing Tom and his sporty red car “dressing up” the neighborhood as well as his friendly “chats” whenever he encountered our dogs. We wish you much peace and comfort in the love that you shared. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
David Orndoff says
Tom, You are a true friend. I have so many fond memories of you. You are like a brother. I always felt so comfortable in your presence. I remember walking each day in the upper westside of Helena, kicking at leaves in the fall, making jokes, talking business, visiting Karen occasionally. This was back in the early 1990’s. Your genuine caring for everybody you met taught me many lessons. You are still a social mentor for me, even in your absence. I will always remember you as a friend and brother. Karen, may you be blessed with continuing love from Tom’s big heart. Much love to you. David.
Gopal says
Tom, I will always remember you. I have known you since 1999 and i always knew that you would be there to provide support and help when needed. Didnt know about you passing away until recently. My paryers are with Karen. Karen – Take Care. Regards, Gopal