George Frederick Hightower, 77, a resident of Walnut, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Prairie Mission Retirement Village in St. Paul, Kansas. He was born March 27, 1947, in Hartman, Arkansas, the son of John David Hightower and Dorothy Anita Kuhl Hightower.
George married Leona Marie Reed on Aug. 9, 1965, Alpena, Arkansas. Following their marriage, George served three tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Army. Throughout his life, George worked at Churchill Manufacturing in Chanute, where he helped construct oil pumping equipment. He later was employed by the Erie Lumberyard and then Neosho Small Parts, also located in Erie. In addition, he also worked in law enforcement for the City of Walnut. George enjoyed fishing and playing cards with his good friends.
Survivors include his four children, George Hightower (Amber) of Georgia, Paula Robertson (Jamie) of Thayer, Leo Hightower (Megan) of Chanute, and Wayne Hightower (Pam) of Fort Scott; twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Donna Guntharp (Jackie) and a step-brother, Mike Shrum. George was preceded in death by his wife, Leona, on Jan. 3, 1992. He was also preceded in death by his parents;, two sisters, Maryann Hobbs and Cathy McDole; an infant brother, Del Edward Hightower; and a step-brother, Rick Shrum.
He was cremated. Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct graveside services at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4 at the U. S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott.
Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 1:15 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Walnut Community Service Organization and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt. com.
