Harold Preston (Tom) Highfill

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Harold Preston (Tom) Highfill, 62, of Schell City, Mo. , the son of Emmett Preston and Barbara Louise (Shane) Highfill, was born May 1, 1952, in Kansas City, Mo., and passed from this life Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, at his home.

Tom was raised in the Kansas City area, and then moved to Schell City when he was in high school, after the death of his grandfather. He helped his grandmother while going to school locally and was one of the graduates of the Schell City High School Class of 1970. On Sept. 25, 1970, he was united in marriage to Linda Lee Majors and to their union three sons were born.

Tom finished concrete for a time early in his working life, then in the early 1980s opened his own mechanic business that he ran for 10 years. He then began employment with Kidwell Construction, spending most of his time driving a dump truck in the heavy construction industry. He continued that employment until 2000. At that time he purchased his own semi and began hauling grain for the Harwood Elevator and various farmers in the area. He most enjoyed working locally until his health no longer permitted.

In his spare time, Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing. In the mid-1980s, he and Linda had formed the local Boy Scout Troop where they both spent time as leaders for various projects for their sons as well as other local area youth. He also found time to coach Little League Baseball. But his greatest love was watching his grandson, Taylor, play basketball and baseball over the past several years. He had also been involved with the Indian Springs Fire Department and was member of Teamsters Local No. 541. Tom was baptized at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, in Kansas City, on May 17, 1964.

Survivors include his wife, Linda, of the home in Schell City, Mo.; two sons, David Highfill and wife, Tammy, also of Schell City, Mo., and Michael Highfill, of Springfield, Mo.; three siblings, Russell Highfill, Barbara Gail Pilot, and Patricia Diane Trussell, all of Independence, Mo.; one grandson, Taylor Highfill; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Matthew; and his grandson, Conner.

Graveside services with interment for Harold Preston (Tom) Highfill were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Green Lawn Cemetery, in Schell City, Mo., with Brother Grady Davis officiating. "On the Other Side" was the chosen musical selection.

Contributions may be made in Tom's memory to the Northeast Vernon County Athletic Booster Club in care of the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City, Mo., whom were entrusted with the arrangements.