- Visitation
Monday, January 5, 2015
from 4:00 to 8:00 pm
Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL
and Tuesday, January 6, 2015
10:00 to 11:00 am
at the 1st United Methodist Church, Lebanon, IL.
- Service
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
11:00 am
1st United Methodist Church, Lebanon, IL.
- Full Obituary
Retired Master Sgt. Arthur “Jay” Highfield, USAF, 72, of Lebanon, IL, died Monday, December 29, 2014, in Lebanon, IL, due to complications from diabetes.
Jay was born October 30, 1942, in New Kensington, PA, to Milton Reed and Betty Jean (Nee Hill) Highfield. On Dec. 4 & 6, 1964, in Wiesbaden, Germany, he married Renate Brenner.
After high school, he joined the Air Force and served for 26 years, retiring in 1987. His carrier began during the Vietnam War as Forward Air Controller. MSgt Highfield retired at Scott AFB, IL, Inspector General (IG) with the Air Force Communications Command (AFCC). After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a contractor for Global Decision Support System (GDSS). Jay volunteered his time at SWIC teaching introduction to new technologies. The seniors' classes he taught were the most gratifying.
Jay enjoyed regaling friends and family with stories. He enjoyed visiting all of his family around the nation. Recently the highlight of the holidays was Thanksgiving which he cherished the moments with his sister, Linda, in Florida very close to where he once shot missiles off of the beach. Jay was delighted to spend this Christmas with all of his grandchildren.
He is survived by 2 children, Jason J. (Laurie) Highfield, Vernon, IL, and Susan Kristiana (John) Carnaghi, St. Louis, MO; 6 grandchildren, Isabelle, Juliette, Keira Highfield, John, Tristan, Austin Jay Carnaghi; 5 brothers and sisters, Kathy (Art) Horn, Apollo Beach, FL, Terry (Diane) Highfield, Bailey, CO, B.J. Farley, Dawsonville, GA, Linda Sue Witkos, Niceville, FL, David (Melody) Highfield, Apollo, PA; Aunt, Rose Hill, Lower Burrell, PA, who taught him to drive; numerous nephews and nieces across the U.S. and Germany.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton Reed and Betty Jean Highfield; his wife, Renate Brenner Highfield; 1 son, Richard Michael Highfield (in infancy); 1 brother, Milton Reed Highfield.
The family would like to thank the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department for their help and service.
Memorials may be made to the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department.
Visitation: Monday, January 5, 2015, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL, and Tuesday, January 6, 2015, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the 1st United Methodist Church, Lebanon, IL.
Funeral Service: Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at 11:00 am at the 1st United Methodist Church, Lebanon, IL.
Clergy: Rev Peter Werhly, Pastor
Interment: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with full military honors.
Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.
