Rural Phillips County resident Tom Highley Jr. passed away at his home on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at the age of 74.
He was born January 28, 1946 in Smith Center, KS the son of Tom Highley, Sr. and Faith (Fortin) Highley. Following high school, Tom went to trade school and learned welding. He then started working for Hesston Corporation in Hesston and he also began welding at Grasshopper Lawn Mowers in Moundridge at the same time. He retired from Hesston Corporation. He kept busy when he wasn’t welding by cutting and selling firewood and fence post. Following his retirement he enjoyed farming on the family farm as a hobby.
Tom was united in marriage to Kendra Otteson on February 29, 1996 in Phillipsburg and were sealed for time and eternity on February 14, 2009 at Denver Temple.
Tom was a total outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing and camping. He had made many trips to Colorado with family and friends to enjoy these things. He would try to attend auctions around the area. He loved caring for all the animals, especially the dog and cats on the farm. Most of all he cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas, Sr. and Faith.
Survivors include his wife, Kendra of the home; a daughter Kelli Willis of Moundridge, KS; a son Jason Highley of Halstead, KS; 3 grandchildren Mikayla Lare, Kolton Lare and Klay Willis; and a great grandson Liam Willcutt.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Phillipsburg. Burial will follow in Hillsdale Cemetery, Phillips County, KS.
Tom will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. for visitation at the funeral chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to His Grandchildren’s Education Fund or Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Youth Hunter Education.