Charles L. Hightower

September 19, 1942 - September 18, 2020

Charles Hightower, 77, of Paragon, unexpectedly passed from this life on September 18, 2020, in the care of IU Health Morgan. He was born in Hadley, KY on September 19, 1942 to the late Charles “Noel” and Mabel Eileen (Higgenbotham) Hightower. Raised in the lush and undisturbed beauty of the Kentucky hills, Charles graduated with the 1960 class of Warren County High school in Bowling Green, KY, where he played on the first and undefeated football team, earning his deservingly and lifelong status in the Warren County Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduation, his family settled in Indiana for a more prosperous life. It was then that he was introduced by a mutual friend to the love of his life, Dianna. The pair dated for three short months, knowing they had found their soul mates, before marrying in 1969. Charles secured work with Wishard Hospital for a short time, before establishing himself as a Heavy Equipment Operator for GM Truck and Bus, where he retired in 2001. As a second job, he was a mail carrier for the Martinsville Post Office. A lover of sports, Charles was a diehard Colts fan, along with IU Basketball and the Cubs. He coached for Monrovia Youth Baseball and Football, Carnine Little League in Indianapolis, and the Eminence High School Baseball team. He thoroughly enjoyed fishing, and regularly brought home messes of croppies. Laid back, with a unique sense of humor, Charles loved to tell stories. A strict, yet loving family man, he was dedicated to his family. Every morning, Charles and Dianna raced to complete the daily crossword puzzle in the Indy Star. He will be greatly missed. Along with his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his siblings, James and Gary Hightower and Ione DeNoon. Charles is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Dianna Lee (Johnson) Hightower of Paragon; children, Robin Hightower of Mooresville, Reba Petty (husband, Jason) of Paragon, Craig Hightower (wife, Stephanie) of Martinsville; siblings, Faye Linder (husband, Dave) of Indianapolis, Alan Hightower (wife, Freda) of Avon, Roger Hightower of Indianapolis, Bill Hightower of Indianapolis, Donna West (husband, Delbert) of Florida, and Debbie Ford of Florida; grandchildren, Samantha Cunningham (husband, Kevin) of West Port, Logan Hightower (wife, Ashly) of Mooresville, Jacob, Laney, and Taylor; great grandchildren, JR, Dawson and Brantley. A Friends and Family Gathering will be held from 5 to 8pm, Monday, September 21st at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, Monrovia, with A Celebration of Life Service beginning promptly at 10am, Tuesday, September 22nd, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mannan Cemetery, Lewisville, and Pastor Gary LaFary will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, Monrovia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E 91st St Ste 100, Indianapolis, IN, 46209-4830. To read the obituary, share a memory or send an online condolence to the family, visit www.lightmemorial.com.