The family of Vern Hightower is saddened by the loss of a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Vern went to be with the Lord peacefully, surrounded by his wife, children, and stepchildren on Monday, December 26th, 2011 due to complications following a fall. He was 87.
Vern Hightower was born in Erick, Oklahoma on February 20, 1924. He was one of seven children of Lillian and James Hightower. The family migrated to northern California in 1934 during the dust storms in Oklahoma. After high school, Vern enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served on a minesweeper and received officer training. Although he was encouraged to remain in the military by the navy, he decided that he preferred life as a civilian.
After the War, Vern settled in southern California. He married Patricia Kay Silvera in 1951. They had four children, two girls and two boys before divorcing in 1978.