Roll Call Tribute

Donald Edward Hightower 

November 21, 1929 - May 7, 2024 

Surrounded by family, Donald Edward Hightower passed away at home on May 7, 2024, from complications of COVID-19, after a long, well-lived life. He was 94 years old. Don was laughing, joking with family, and watching his Mariners play until his final days — all evidence of his indomitable spirit and unflappable sense of humor.

Born November 21, 1929, Don was the third of seven children, all raised in a strict but loving Christian family in central Texas. At 18, Don joined the Navy and was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base at Pearl Harbor. A lucky connection with a fellow Texan at a church youth fellowship gathering led him to meet the love of his life, Sally Ann Davis, the oldest daughter of a newly-arrived Navy family.

Through the GI Bill, Don earned an electrical engineering degree at Texas A&M University. He put his degree to use at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM, and later at Boeing Military Airplane Company in Washington State. At retirement he was a manager in weapons integration nuclear safety and nuclear certification system safety.

Don discovered the joys of boating — “a hole in the water you pour money into” — and spent many an hour salmon fishing or crabbing in the San Juans, or up to his elbows in boat repair. He and Sally moved from Bellevue, WA, to Laguna Woods, CA, in their later years, where he settled in to shout at the Seahawks, soak up the sunshine, and host family and friends. Last year, they moved to Oregon to be closer to family.

Don is survived by Sally, his wife of 72 years; their three children and spouses: Susan Stautz (Gary), Cindy Reinhart (Bill), and David (Kim); six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Don will be buried with military honors in June, at Willamette National Cemetery, in a private ceremony with immediate family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, in honor of Don’s 94 years with us.

IN THE CARE OF
Bateman Carroll Funeral Home