Phil Hightower

Phil Hightower, age 65 of Purcell, passed away Saturday, June 19, 2021. Phillip Wayne Hightower was born August 22, 1955 in Childress, Texas, the 3rd of 8 children born to Laymon D. Hightower and Chloe Ann (Gresham) Hightower. Growing up on a farm, Phil learned the value of discipline and hard work. His early years were spent in the Groom and Panhandle area, before finishing school in Tularosa, NM. Phil joined the United States Navy and later served in the United States Air Force. He served his country proudly for more than 28 years, serving tours in Rota, Spain, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Guam. Phil returned to school to study criminology. By this time, he had met a young woman from Tipton, and they were the perfect match. Phil married his best friend and life partner, Debra Buxton, on August 16, 1980 in Tipton. He worked as a security guard for a short time, and also for the Tipton Police Department for a couple of years, before joining the Purcell Police Department in 1985. Phil dedicated his life to serving the citizens of Purcell, retiring in 2008, after more than 23 years of service. Phil stayed busy in retirement, volunteering at the Purcell Hospital, and logged more than 4000 hours as a volunteer there. Phil had a true servant's heart; he believed in service to others, and he was always looking for ways to help others. He cherished Debra, his children and grandchildren, and was proud to always come to the rescue. He will be dearly missed! He was preceded in death by: his parents, Layman and Chloe Hightower; Brother Randy Hightower, and his parent-in-laws, Richard Buxton and DeLoyce Williams. Phil is survived by: his wife, Debra of the home; daughters, Ashley Wescott and husband Josh of Lindsay, Julia Hightower and husband Chris Tyler of Norman and Christy Hightower and fiancé, Donovan Farley of Purcell; son, Samuel Hightower and fiancé Rachel Payne of Purcell; 3 sisters, Linda Gilley and husband Franklin of Amarillo, TX, Wanda Buxton and husband Jim of Wanette and Cheryl Van and husband Wayne; brothers, Tony Hightower and wife Colleen of Odessa, TX, Keith Hightower of Dora, NM and Chris Hightower of Dora, NM; Brothers and Sisters-in-law, Karen Clifton of Marietta, OK, Vickie Daniel of Noble, OK, Mike and Donna Buxton of Marietta, OK and Albert Buxton of OKC; Grandchildren, Kimber Wescott, Kingston Peters, Claire Tyler, Titus Tyler, Kensley Deviney, Myla Payne, Arys Hightower and 2 on the way; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends. Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Purcell. Burial will follow at the Hillside Cemetery. Send online condolences @ www.wilsonlittle.com.

Phil Hightower

August 22, 1955 - June 19, 2021