Hoyt Damon Highfill

Graveside services for Hoyt Damon Highfill, 80, of Monroe, LA, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 3, 2016 at Fort Smith National Cemetery, Fort Smith, AR, with Deacon Greg Pair officiating.He was born November 2, 1935, in Spadra, AR, to Nell Mae East Snider and Roy Highfill. He departed for his Heavenly home on May 31, 2016, in West Monroe, LA. Mr. Highfill was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Highfill and Nell Mae East Snider; his step-dad that he loved as his father, Frank J. Snider; his beloved son, Larry W. “Bud” Highfill. Hoyt was an entrepreneur, a world traveler, and explorer of life. He loved his church and was a long time member of Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church. He was a sports enthusiast – both as a participant, coach and fan. Hoyt attended St. Anne’s High School in Ft. Smith, AR, where he met and married his sweetheart, Nancy Vogel. He served in the U.S. Air Force. After leaving the service, he worked in the furniture industry, learning every aspect of the business, from inventory to advertising. Hoyt had a big personality and his quick wit made him a natural salesman. Together Hoyt and Nancy embarked on a new frontier, moving their small family to Monroe, LA, in the early ‘60’s to open their own store, The Value Mart. Over the years, they had several other business ventures. They enjoyed building and designing numerous homes, motorhomes and airplanes. They put down deep roots and made lifelong friends. Hoyt and Nancy traveled to every state in the U.S. and every province in Canada. They made friends from all over the continent, who they enjoyed traveling on motorhome rallies that Hoyt planned. Hoyt acquired his pilot’s license in his 40’s and traveled through the Caribbean, visiting many of the beautiful golf courses of the islands. He built two of his own airplanes, the first in record time as noted in EAA Airplane Magazine. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Nancy Vogel Highfill; daughters, Deborah Highfill Harrison and husband, John Euless, TX; Mary Katherine Highfill, Illinois; daughter-in-law, Connie Godby Highfill, Farmerville, LA; half-sister, Barbara Highfill Lear, Kansas; half-brother, Bobby Highfill, Kansas; five grandchildren, Timothy D. Harrison and wife, Hill, Justin , TX; Patrick A, Harrison and wife, Barbara, Monroe; Leslie Highfill Oglesby and husband, Nick, Sterlington; Peter M. Harrison, Euless, TX; Audrey Highfill Harvey and husband, Matthew, Monroe; five great grandchildren, Morgan, MacKenzie, Madison, Heidi and Andrew. Numerous cousins, family and friends. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and grandsons-in-law.Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Monroe, LA.The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff at Stoney Brook, Connie Culpepper and Betty Kennedy, for the loving care and guidance they supplied over these last difficult years. Louisiana Hospice, Gail Palm, Kyle Klitzke of Community Pharmacy and Kate the ‘MedNurse’ for the excellent part that each played in making Mr. Hoyt’s journey so much easier. We appreciate you beyond measure.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.comMulhearn Funeral HomeSterlington RoadMonroe, LA