Gordon R. Highfill
May 15, 2014
Gordon R. Highfill, 88, was born March 23, 1926 to Raymond and Irene Highfill in Claycomo Township, Missouri. He died Thursday, May 15, 2014, at Unity Point Taylor House in Des Moines.
Gordon graduated from North Kansas City High School and served in the US Navy during WWII and the Korean War. He was an active member of Altoona United Methodist Church for over 54 years and the American Legion in Centerville.
Gordon worked for the US Postal Service for 16 years and then retired from the sales department at Sears in Merle Hay Mall. After retirement, he worked at McDonald’s on Adventureland Drive for 12 years where he is remembered as the white-haired man who worked during the day.
Gordon and his wife danced a lot, even at the Iowa State Fair. He really enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, especially when they brought their dogs.
Gordon is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carla; children, Kirk (Diane) Highfill, Brent (Renee) Highfill, and Nancy (Darwin) Marshall; grandchildren, Alex (Amanda) Highfill, Brett Highfill, Rachel Highfill, Jake Highfill, Kara Highfill, Jennifer Marshall, and Tony Marshall; sister-in-law, Ann Highfill and a host of other family and beloved friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and one sister.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at Altoona United Methodist Church, 602 5th Street SW in Altoona. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Variety – the Children’s Charity, 505 5th Avenue, Suite 310, Des Moines, IA 50309 or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50313
Online condolences may be offered at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Joy Schiller
05/29/2014
Hi Nancy, I'm so sorry about the passing of your Dad. I know how difficult it is to lose a parent. Your Dad sounds like he had an amazing life and enjoyed every moment of it. I loved reading how your Dad and Mom both loved to dance. Please take care and know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Joy
Susan Thompson
05/27/2014
My parents were such good friends with Carla and Gordie. I'm sure he and my dad (Dick Thompson) are getting reunited in heavan. Carla, my thoughts are with you and all of your kids at this time. It's so hard to lose a loved one.
Brenda Bolen
05/27/2014
To Nancy and family: I have no words to ease the pain but arms to hold you and cry with you. I am here for you any time.
Lisa Magel
05/20/2014
So very sad to hear that Gordon had passed. My heart goes out to Carla and her family. My deepest sympathies to each of you and your families.
Margene Fritz
05/19/2014
So sorry about your loss. No matter how old or how young, it still hurts the same. Only time and good memories help with your loss. Blessings to all of you.
KIM FISHER
05/19/2014
My deepest felt sympathy, to the families of Gordie, my heart hurts for you all. he was very blessed with his kind and wonderful family!
he will be missed by all.
Steven McLellan
05/19/2014
Gordie was a friendly face at AUMC. Always enjoyed the easy conversations before worship services. Gordon will be missed. Our prayers and sympathy go out to you, Carla, and to all the Highfill family.
Nicole Likens
05/18/2014
I'm so sorry to hear about Gordy. I won't ever forget seeing him out walking the streets of Altoona in his kicks. He was such a sweet man. May you all find comfort in loving him as long as you did.
Carla (Baehler) Lemmons
05/18/2014
Uncle Gordie was truly blessed: a loving marriage of 57 years to an amazing woman, a wonderful family of great kids who adored him, and so many treasured friends! I remember it was very easy to make him laugh--he was such a happy person--and it was a favorite thing to do when visiting as a small child. His was a life well lived.
Much love to you all,
Carla
Mike Ross
05/18/2014
I feel honored to have known Gordie, one of "The Great Ones". I cannot remember a time I saw him without a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. His three children have been some of my dearest friends for for many years. I'm sure in no small part by their caricature and values instilled into them from Carla & Gordie. Tho the miles and years have separated us, your pain and sorrow is shared by those of us lucky to know the Highfill Family.
Cathy (Baehler) Olofsson
05/18/2014
My fondest memories as a child, was being able to spend weeks visiting my cousins, Aunt Carla & Uncle Gordie every summer. He had the kindest face & truly loved his family. I have a heavy heart & tears in my eyes. I hope you celebrate Uncle Gordie's long life and enjoy his memory with much peace & love. Love to all of the Highfill family, Cathy
Kreg Klaver
05/17/2014
I loved growing up next door to Gordie and his family. When my father was sick, it meant the world to him when Gordie would come and visit. He was in a class all alone. My thoughts and prayers are with the Highfill family.
God Bless
Kreg.
Now I got to find a can of Fallstaff :)
Janet Dunlap
05/17/2014
I have been recalling the awesome legendary conversation between our fathers (as related by Brett & Nancy) that went "mumble, mumble, mumble" "huh?" [repeat]. Now they are together in heaven, hearing and understanding each other perfectly. Love, Cousin Jan
Kevin & Robyn Mengwasser
05/17/2014
With friendship, Love and precious memories to Carla, Kirk, Brent, Nancy and family, our thoughts are with you during this time. Kevin and Robyn Mengwasser