Cover photo for John  Charles Hightower's Obituary
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1934 John 2017

John Charles Hightower

January 23, 1934 — August 2, 2017

Obituary John Charles Hightower peacefully passed away on August 2, 2017; he is now reunited with his wife of 54 years, Annette, who passed away in June of 2016. A long-time resident of Renton, Wash., and employee of the Renton School District, John spent this last year surrounded by his six loving children and their spouses, his grandchildren, and his wonderful caretakers at Angel Arms Adult Family Home, in Kent. Born on January 23, 1934, in Havre, Mont., to Oliver and Mary (Hyland) Hightower, John grew up in Butte along with his younger brother, Oliver, and his many cousins. He graduated from Butte High School in 1952 and went on to attend Seattle University where he received a bachelor's degree in education. A member of Seattle University's ROTC Chieftain Battalion, John achieved the rank of Captain in the US Army. John completed his military service and returned to Seattle University to earn a master's degree in education administration. At a church dance he met another Montanan, Annette Zuelke, and the two found a common love of family, the outdoors, travel, and soccer. They were married at St. Mary's Parish in Helena, Mont., on June 16, 1962 with John's brother, the Rev. Oliver Lee Hightower, presiding. John and Annette made their home in Renton and John began his teaching career at Hillcrest Elementary. He later served as principal of Highlands Elementary and Kennydale Elementary. After a 30-year career with the Renton School District, John took the role of parish administrator at Holy Family Parish in Kirkland. John carried the message of hard work and the high value of education that his parents gave him to his own children. He was known for his witty story-telling, a charming smile, preserving family memories behind a video camera, a calm voice in any storm, and his comb-over hairstyle. He was devoted to his wife, his children, and the church community of St. Anthony's. By far his favorite names were John to his wife, Dad to his six kids, Grandpa to his eight grandchildren, and Mr. Hightower to his many students. John was preceded in death by his wife, Annette Isabel Hightower; his parents, Oliver and Mary Hightower; his brother, Rev. Oliver Lee Hightower; and his granddaughter, Molly Mackenzie Hightower. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Earl Charles Jr.; and his children and grandchildren: Michael (Mary; Jordan, Zachary, Sean), Paul (Margot), Therese, Christina (Mark; Olivia, Isabel, Broghan), Rev. Craig Hightower, S.J., and Jeff (Kiko; Hailey). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church Tuesday, August 8, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow at the parish hall. The Rosary will be recited prior to the Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment is scheduled for 3:00p.m. at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery in Federal Way, Wash. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Molly Hightower Fund, Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, 1800 112th Ave., Suite 270-E, Bellevue, Wash., 98004. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.

Service Date: 08/08/2017 at 11:00 AM
Location: St. Anthony Catholic Church
Cemetery: Gethsemane Cemetery
Service Details
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church Tuesday, August 8, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow at the parish hall. The Rosary will be recited prior to the Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment is scheduled for 3:00p.m. at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery in Federal Way, Wash
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