Clyde C. Hightower

Clyde Colvin Hightower was born on July 18, 1934, in Summerfield, LA to Frank Tennyson and Tillie Blanche Dawson Hightower. He passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, in Homer, LA. Proudly living over 90 of his nearly 92 years in his beloved Claiborne Parish.

A tribute to Clyde’s life was held Monday, June 15. 2026 at 10:00 AM at Rose-Neath Funeral Home (405 E. 5th St. Homer, LA). Interment followed at Arlington Cemetery of Homer. A visitation was held on Sunday, June 14 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Rose-Neath.

Clyde’s family ancestors (the Hightower, Taylor, Dawson, and Willis families) came to Claiborne Parish in the early 1860’s. Claiborne Parish is the only place he ever called home. In 1955, he married Marilyn Elaine Gentry and began a 67 ½ year partnership. Clyde and Marilyn had two children, Jack Darrel Hightower and Jill Marie Hightower Smith. Clyde was a member of the Union Grove Church of Christ where he led congregational singing for over 40 years.

Clyde was the 12th of 12 children, he grew up in Summerfield, moved to Homer, and graduated from Homer High School. He lived outside Claiborne Parish for only the two years he served in the US Army. His service at Fort Gordon, Georgia was distinguished as part of the President Eisenhower’s Honor Guard during his frequent visits to Augusta National. Early 1959 Dad left active service, returned to Claiborne Parish, and served in the National Guard.

Clyde joined Charles Talley, Brooksie Dickens, and Floyd McFarland as a partner in West Main Motor Company, a local retailer. Clyde joined Tax Assessor Weldon Kilpatrick as Deputy Tax Assessor, and later was elected multiple terms as the Claiborne Parish Tax Assessor.

Clyde was a proud member of the Galvez Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution honoring his direct ancestors that fought for America’s freedom. He served, but he also participated in every election as this was his obligation. Clyde was a member of the Louisiana Assessor’s Association and enjoyed networking and continuing education. Clyde was a member of the Homer and Haynesville Lions Club and served in numerous other organizations. He served as board member and officer for the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce, Homer Industrial Board, Homer Country Club, Haynesville Country Club, and Claiborne Academy Foundation. Clyde received numerous recognitions throughout his career, most recently 2025 Claiborne Parish Chamber Business Person of the Year in honor of his years of service. Clyde was also the 2025 Lake Claiborne 4th of July Boat Parade Grand Marshall.

One of Clyde and Marilyn’s great joys was supporting their kids, grands, and greats, whatever they were doing, wherever it was being done. Clyde was eager to go and they went; in a car. In most recent years all you had to say to Dad was “want to go?”. He was always ready.

Preceded in passing by his parents, Frank and Blanche Hightower; eleven siblings and their spouses, William (Beatrice), Dorothy (Rodney), Mary (Claud), FT (Edna), Kitty (Fred), Irby (Eleanor), Edgar (Dorothy), Aubyn (John, JP), Jack, Ray (Lois), and Betty (Felton). His loving Spouse, Marilyn Gentry Hightower; very special in-laws, Darrel and Marie Gentry; and a host of dear friends and relatives.

Surviving include son Jack Hightower and his wife Beverly of Homer; Jill Smith and her husband, Garrett “Jug” Smith of Tyler, TX.; Grandsons, Jarod Hightower and wife, Talia of Oviedo, Fl, and Jackson Smith of Tyler, TX.; Granddaughter Jordan Smith of Austin, TX.; great-grandchildren, Mckenna and Mason of Oviedo, Fl. Clyde is survived by numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of neighbors and friends.

Clyde’s life was abundant, family that were friends and friends that were like family. Mae and Frank Williams and Mary Ann Ford were so caring and helpful over the years. Even though the time together was short, Onni James, Connie West, Jacqueline Thomas were so kind and helpful to him.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sam Abshire, Dr. Clint Butler, Dr. Scott Haynes, Dr. David Tyler, Dr. Clifton Salmon, Camille Wise, APRN, and the entire Claiborne Memorial Medical Center ICU Team for quality and compassionate care.

Words can never express the gratefulness Clyde and his family have for his community of family and friends. Your kind words, visits, prayers, cards, calls, food and support have sustained the family during Clyde’s brief illness. Special thanks to the members of the Homer Church of Christ for hosting a family lunch. Your love and care mean so much to the Hightower family and we thank you.

Being generous with your blessings was important to Clyde. He contributed in many causes that supported churches, gospel missions, veterans, children’s causes, education, benevolence and community development; in lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to give to a charity of your choice. Clyde’s favorites were Southern Christian Children’s Home-Morrilton, AR., and Claiborne Academy Foundation Endowment, Haynesville, LA.