May God be with you coach. You were one of the best!!
Dean Lawrence Millstadt Il 62260
My sympathies to his family and many friends, with memories of better times in Mt. Vernon. So very sorry, Mark
Mark C. Van Sluyters Newtonville NY 12128
Thanks coach for everything! You will truly be missed!
Sarah Schaft Shiloh IL
To Phil's family, you have lost a beloved one, I like many have lost a true friend of 56 years, I share your loss and will miss him greatly. God Bless.
Tommy Carter Macon GA 31211
One of the many life lessons I learned from Coach Highsmith was never take the game so serious that it is no longer fun. Coach always had time to laugh and often times at himself. May God bess him and his family he leaves behind.
Greg Eschman "78" Belleville Illinois 62226
My sympathy and condolences to Mr. Highsmith's family. I was fortunate to have been a student at West during his tenure there. He was a beloved teacher, coach, and man who added warmth and light to everyone's lives that he touched. God Bless. Jennifer Holbrook, BTHS West Class of '87.
Jennifer Holbrook Belleville IL 62221
Coach Highsmith - One of my favorite teachers. He made everyday a fun one
Mark mason
I never had the oppertunity to meet Phil but if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here. He saved my fathers life in a car accident when they were in high school. My father is Tom Carter and I am blessed that Phil was there so I could have my life and my brother can have his life and my children. God bless you all and I send my heart felt condolences.
Tamra Vaughn Macon Ga. 31211
Coach Highsmith was a friend. He was easy to talk to, because he listened to his students. He shaped me. He made me a better human being. We lost one of the good ones.
Jack Gillespie Belleville 62223
Many of us who were blessed to be kids with Phil were saddened to see him move to Belleville. But God had a big job over there for him, as well as a lot of other lives to influence. It would sure seem that God knew what He was doing, but, remembering Scouts and baseball even before High School, I can smile at the laughs Phil gave a lot of us growing up in Mount Vernon. Hid family had a real treasure and a good man. We can still hang onto some great memories, and he'll be remembered at our next Class of '66 reunion, surely.
May God Bless .
Jim Minor Harrisburg PA 17112
At one of those who went to grade school and high school with Phil until he moved away, his name brings only good thoughts to mind.
I remember him always as a friend who made things fun and a joy to be around. I feel blessed to have known him and was glad I was able to remember the "old days" with him less that a week ago.
He will forever be in our hearts.
Connie Bancroft Mount Vernon Illinois 62864
Phil ole friend, I set here with tears in my eyes for loosing a good old pal. We knew each other since childhood and Field School. We enjoyed those years growing up with so many good pals. You will be missed by us all. My condolences to your family. YOu had a great guy for a "Dad".
Larry Hicks Mount Vernon Illinois 62864
We became friends in 1st grade. My Mom loved Phil. She loved to make him sandwiches and he loved to eat them. He loved to make my Mom laugh. Right now my Mom is making Phil a sandwich and he is making her laugh. God Bless you Phil.
Blaine Sampson Lawrence Kansas 66047
Glad we met Phillip Highsmith at the wedding of Ezra and Amy. It was good to see him at grandson Oliver Phillip Bowman's 1st Birthday. Loved his comment when Oliver's great aunt Linda... said she was looking forward to playing with Oliver's gifts-toys the following day ... with gusto he said "damn straight, Linda. Now you're talking". We Celebrate Phil's life too... even though we could not attend his service. Love to all the family.
Ruel & Dawn Bowman Springfield MO 65804
As children, we develop friendships. Some last for a reason, some for a season and some for a lifetime. Phil touched so many of us from Field School, through Mt. Vernon High School and then, for some, a lifetime. Each will miss him in our own way. Sincere condolences to his family. Do not cry because it is over; smile because it happened.
Julia Marlowe Annapolis MD
Glad we met Phillip Highsmith at the wedding of Ezra and Amy. It was good to see him at grandson Oliver Phillip Bowman's 1st Birthday. Loved his comment when Oliver's great aunt Linda... said she was looking forward to playing with Oliver's gifts-toys the following day ... with gusto he said "damn straight, Linda. Now you're talking". We Celebrate Phil's life too... even though we could not attend his service. Love to all the family.
Ruel & Dawn Bowman Springfield MO 65804
Stacey,
I am so sorry on the loss of your father. I will contact the high school about a memorial gift. Let me know if there is anything I can do. I may be far, but I am here!
Cyndi
Cynthia Higgins-Clark Nixa Missouri 65714
My absolute best friend at BTHS. Go Maroons! Man we had some really good times. Not a day goes by that I don't remember them. Stacey, Amy your dad was a great guy, but you already know that. I am so sorry for your loss.
Harry E. Sewill Conroe TX 77304
I also had the good fortune to grow up with Phil - kindergarten at Field School until the family moved to Belleville. The Highsmith family lived behind us on the next street. I remember hanging out with Phil on hot summer days. What a great time we all grew up in...many lifetime friends. Though I had not seen Phil in many years, he was still a friend. We have lost one of the good guys.
My sincere condolences to Phil's family.
Sharon Sword Warmack Ranson WV 25438
Where do you start and when do you stop? I have re-started this short note a dozen times and still cannot distill from all the happy memories I have which ones to share. From freezer screams in the food service to a half court hookshot play for "Dandy Don" in C league basketball the memories and smiles come cascading out. To say that Phil was larger than life is a vast understatement. I shall never forget him. My sincerest condolences to his family.
"Bunker" Kuethe Normal IL 61761
Hey Coach, you couldn't have been more fun or funny... who else could have driven the 15-passenger van with such finesse and skill? I remember when you had to turn the wheel for minutes to get that thing to back out. I still laugh thinking about it. You will definitely be missed.
Liz Wanless Muncie IN 47304