Darrell Hightower

Timing...life on this amazing earth is controlled by time, but one thing is certain. Only Father God is in complete control of our time, days and destiny. From the moment of our conception, God's plan and purpose for our lives is established, and although it is incomprehensible to even imagine that Father God knew us before the beginning of time, He gently and softly calls each believer by name. Time is a precious gift from our creator, and life should be lived well with much love, contentment and joy.

No one knows the hour or the day that God will lovingly call us to our forever home in heaven with Him, but most certainly He will call each one of us into His presence as He sits high and lifted up on the throne of mercy and grace. When God dispatched His angels and softly whispered Darrell's name, he was peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends as he instantaneously stepped into glory on January 8, 2019, at 12:15 a.m.

Darrell Ward Hightower was born in Abilene, Texas to his loving parents, Wilburn Ward Hightower and Mary Jo Reasoner Hightower, on June 14, 1945. His family moved to West Columbia, Texas when he was a young child, and unforgettable memories were created with his siblings, family and friends. Darrell, Gene and Kay were quite a handful, but each one of them was lavished with so much love by their parents. They were definitely trained up in the way that they should go as Christians. A strong work ethic was taught by his dad where the boys worked in his business, but when it came to having fun, Darrell would always be in the big middle of it. He loved hunting, fishing and camping with his family as he was growing up and never lost his passion for the great outdoors throughout his life.

As a 12-year-old child, Darrell became a Christ-follower at the Church of Christ in West Columbia, and following his baptism, he requested one more song which most likely was "The Old Rugged Cross". At the end of every church service, the pastor would ask the congregation for recommendations of their favorite hymns, and Darrell would always be the first to raise his hand and shout out his favorite song.

Throughout his school years in West Columbia, Darrell made valued and treasured friendships, and he graduated from Columbia High School in 1963. High school was filled with participation in football, baseball, track and choir, and he continued to love these sports as an adult...just from the sideline or in his favorite chair as he watched his grandson. He loved to tell the stories of traveling to participate in the Little League World Series Playoffs and State UIL track competitions.

Immediately following graduation, he attended Sam Houston State University and later enlisted in the United States Air Force. His military service to our country was during the Vietnam War Era, and he shared many stories and memories from that time... racing on motorcycles in Arizona, living in Thailand on the U.S. Air Force base, repairing and loading military planes for missions and savoring the culture of the foreign country. He may have even been victorious in battle with a few snakes in the barracks and shower.

After Darrell received his "honorable discharge", he lived and worked in Houston, and a few years later, he returned to West Columbia and began working in chemical plants in Brazoria County. His employment at Dow Chemical began in the mag cells, and he retired as a supervisor from those very mag cells. He also loved to reminisce the many years he was a volunteer umpire and firefighter in West Columbia.

Darrell's only child was born on September 26, 1977. Heather was her father's pride and joy, and he was extremely proud of her critical nursing skills. She was always his devoted medical interpreter and loving caregiver throughout the challenging seasons of his journey. They shared many sweet times over the years cooking a meal, going on family vacations, fishing together, enjoying sporting events, laughing at old stories and even having spirited political debates.

What wonderful memories were created with his grandson, Brayden Bell! The two of them could talk for hours about his PawPaw's guns, ammunition, the last great hunt or catching "the big one". Darrell never missed a baseball, soccer or flag football game; he was always there to support his grandson. Many cherished and treasured memories were made at PawPaw's time-shares through the years.

Darrell was a loving bonus dad to Casey Sellers Lingo and Erin Sellers Ryan. They had many wonderful trips and stories over the years. He loved their children Mason, Dakota and Loxie as his own and looked forward to dinners, visits and phone calls.

Beyond the shadow of a doubt, Tommy and Tim were indeed very near and dear to their uncle. He thought the world of both of them and loved to share times with the family over the years. There was always a funny Uncle Darrell story to be told.

Darrell is preceded in death by: maternal and paternal grandparents; parents - Ward and Jo Hightower; sister - Kay Hightower; nephew - Tim Hightower.

Survivors include: his daughter, Heather Hightower Bell and husband Jason; grandson Brayden Bell; his brother Gene and wife Linda Hightower; beloved nephew Tommy Hightower and great-nephew Jacob Hightower and Kevin Hartney; step-daughter Casey Sellers Lingo and granddaughter Loxie; step-daughter Erin Sellers Ryan and grandchildren - Mason Schroth and Dakota Ryan; sweet friends - Wanda Barnes Jones and Sena Case Yates; numerous other family members and close friends.

The family greatly appreciates the medical care provided by UTMB in Angleton, the UTMB ICU in Galveston, Pearland Medical Center's ICU and the Michael E. DeBakey VA Hospital. There are no words to express the family's genuine gratitude and thankfulness to each caring individual during the past month.

A celebration of Darrell Ward Hightower's life will be conducted on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church in West Columbia, Texas. Dr. Ryan Lintelman will officiate the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tim Hightower Memorial Scholarship, 100 Lee Street, West Columbia, Texas.

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