Dennis Highsmith

Dennis Foreman "Bud" Highsmith 78 year-old lifetime Welch resident passed away at the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Claremore on Thursday afternoon, October 23, 2008. . He was born August 27, 1930 in Welch to Roy and Ethel (Mills) Highsmith. Bud graduated from Welch High School in 1950. On September 20, 1952 he married Maxine "Shorte" Armstrong in Bentonville, Arkansas. Bud served in the United States Army from November of 1950 to December of 1951. He was employed by the B. F. Goodrich Tire Company in Miami for 36 years retiring in 1986. Shortly thereafter he took a job as a ranch foreman for the Leachman Triple L Ranch near Welch, truly a perfect job for him. He also worked on sale days for a period of time at the Welch Sale Barn. Bud was a member of the First Christian Church of Welch, and the Welch Round-up Club, where he served as an officer for many years. The round-up club also made him an honorary lifetime member. He was a member of the Northeast Oklahoma Coyote Hunters Association, an Honorary Chapter Farmer of the Welch FFA and served on the Welch School Board for 12 years. Bud loved being on a horse, working cattle, and being a cowboy, he also was very passionate about his coyote hunting and his greyhounds. These two hobbies led him to meet some very good friends and unique acquaintances; he loved to talk about horses, hunting and dogs. The family includes: his wife Maxine "Shorte" of the home, four sons and their wives, Greg and Becky Highsmith of Vinita, Grant and Robin Highsmith of Ramona, Oklahoma, Chris and Vicki Highsmith of Vinita, Kyle and Lisa Highsmith of Miami; brothers, Bob Highsmith and wife Pat of Miami, Tom Lindsey and wife Georgia of Tulsa, sisters, Jean Pearson and husband J. R. of Pryor, and Kay Lant of Citrus Heights, California. Grandchildren include: Terrance Vail and husband Bryant, Cory Highsmith and wife Sarah, Jesse Highsmith, Whitney Collins and husband Seth, Ashley Highsmith, Haley Highsmith, Nicholas Highsmith, Hunter Highsmith, Natalie Highsmith and Cameron Dennis; great-grandchildren are Brannan Vail, Malynna Vail, Jeremiah Highsmith, Jayton Collins and Gavin Highsmith: There are also numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Those preceding him in death include, his parents, a daughter, Christie Diane, sisters, Bernadine Lawson, Lea Ann "Sammy" Ruark and Doretha Parker. The casket bearers will be; Cory Highsmith, Jesse Highsmith, Nicholas Highsmith, Hunter Highsmith, Bryant Vail and Seth Collins. The family will have a time to share memories beginning at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2008 at the Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel in Vinita. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at the First Christian Church in Miami (across from Wal-Mart). Officiating will be Pastors, Leon Weece, Brad Canham, Wade Markham and Kevin Baker. Interment will follow at the Welch Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita. Online condolences can be made at www.honoringmemories.com. Preferred memorials may be given in Bud's name to the Cowboy Junction Christian School, 27502 S 4380 Rd, Vinita, OK 74301.

Service Details

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 11:00am

Interment Details