April 02, 2014

Retirees Lament Loss of Charles Hightower

Charles Hightower pictured while giving a report to the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans in 2013

Charley Hightower of the International Association of Machinists was a charter member of the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans. From the first, he attended virtually every meeting we held, including those far from his home in Houston. Charley felt strongly about Robert’s Rules of Order and often intervened in discussions to make sure parliamentary rules were observed. Charley never lost his temper at a meeting and always worked to bring Texas retirees closer together. His union has always been the main backer for the retiree cause in Texas.

Texas Organizer Judy Bryant says that retirees will contribute to the Texas AFL-CIO scholarship fund in Charley’s memory.

The Houston Chronicle ran this obituary:

“Charles Royce Hightower born on October 14, 1936, passed away March 28, 2014. He is preceded in death by his wife Letha Hightower. Charles leaves to cherish his memory: daughters: Belinda & Gayelynn. The family will receive friends 5-8PM on Monday, March 31, 2014. Funeral Services will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at Brookside Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Brookside Memorial Park.”