Roberson Hightower Obituary (1928 - 2016)

Roberson Hightower, 87, of Normal, formerly of Waco, TX, passed away at 10:51 a.m., Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Heartland Healthcare in Normal.His visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington. His funeral service will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Willow Grove Baptist Church in Waco, TX. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery, Waco, Texas.Memorials may be directed to fightcolorectalcancer.orgrnrnRoberson was born June 28, 1928 in the Willow Grove Community of Waco, Texas. He joined the Willow Grove Baptist Church at an early age and attended Willow Grove grade school.Roberson leaves to cherish his memory two brothers, Jay (Mary) Hightower of Joliet, IL and Jimmy Troy (Pat) Hightower of Hewett, TX; a sister, Nora Powell of Texas; 8 children, Jesse (Mary) Hightower of Phoenix, AZ, Craig (QuoVadis) Hightower of Peoria, IL, Sharon Tolbert of Normal, IL, Yvonne Hightower of Peoria, IL, Neil (Ellen) Hightower of Bloomington, IL, Gloria Williams of Bloomington, IL, Allen (Chris) Hightower of Normal, IL and Karen Hightower of Bloomington, IL; 20 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Dottie Mae (Roberson) Hightower and sisters, Gloria, Mary Ruth, Lillie Fay and LaClede; and 5 great grandchildren.Roberson served in the Korean War and received the Korean Service Ribbon, with 1 Bronze Star. He also received the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.Roberson worked for GMO Railroad, where he retired as foreman after 40 years. He loved going to church and listening to spirituals, while also being active in the choir.