John D. Highland (1923-2016)

HIGHLAND, PALAFOX, TOWNER, DANTIER, EDWARDS, JONES

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 12/3/2016 at 17:06:17

From McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel, Overland Park, Kansas.

John D. Highland, of Overland Park, KS, and formally Ames, IA and Freeport, IL passed away into our Lord's arms on October 31, 2016 in the company of his family. John and wife, Madonna were married fifty-six years and had seven children, thirteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

John was born on a dairy farm near Irish Grove, IL on November 13, 1923, with an identical twin brother, James Highland (of Pecatonica, IL died 11/14/2015). One of twelve children, John attended grade school in a country school house and attended high school in Pecatonica, IL. At age nineteen, John & Jim enlisted in the US Army during WWII, where John assigned to the Army's 304th infantry, Company A. Wounded in battle, John was awarded both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his courageous service during combat. Highlights in his service included the historical "D" day landing, as well as combat in France, Belgium, and Germany – culminating at the infamous Battle of the Bulge. He was later stationed as a guard during the Nuremburg trials.

Returning stateside after the War, John attended the University of Wisconsin at Platteville and then Iowa State University majoring in Agronomy. John had a long successful career as a Soil Scientist with the USDA Soil Conservation Service in Iowa until he somewhat retired around 1986. After his first attempt at "retirement", John worked for the ISU Statistics Department for several years before retiring permanently and returning to Freeport, IL. John and Madonna had a deep love for their family, as so they moved again around 1989 to Overland Park, KS to be closer to grandchildren. John and Madonna were members of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Overland Park, and very active in the church's Sunshine Club. John loved fishing, gardening and wood-working, and always enjoyed attending sporting events, especially baseball (Go Cubs!).

John was predeceased by his beautiful and loving wife, Madonna (2005); his parents, as well as eight brothers and one sister. John has gone on to join Madonna again, and leaves behind four sons: Jack (& Brenda) in Newbury, VT; Steve in Patrolia, PA; Gregory (& Samma) in Greenville, TN; and Kevin (& Karen) in Tulsa, OK; along with three daughters: Mary Palafox (& Brian) in Santa Anna, CA; Margaret (& Mark) Towner of Overland Park; and Cathy of Beverly Hills, CA. Also 13 grandchildren: Colin, Niall, and Devon Highland; Justin, David, and Megan Highland; Heather Dantier & Lindsi Highland; Nathan Highland; Matthew wand Michelle Towner, Kristi Edwards, and Kyle Highland, As well as eight great grandchildren: Alycia and Kate Dantier; Griffin & Viola Highland, Kyndred Highland, Connor & Caleb Edwards, and Asher Jones.

A piece of our country's grand history and the pinnacle rock of an entire family has left us. John was loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends; but most of all he was an incredible role model and so we reflect fondly on what his legacy leaves behind. John was truly a man's man: one to look up to and respect for his unshakable courage, devotion to family, and unwavering faith. He epitomized our country's greatest generation; showing through grace and humility that service, love of others, and love of family always came before yourself.

John will be buried alongside Madonna in Irish Grove Cemetery next to St. Patrick's Catholic Church in the countryside of northern Illinois. John and Madonna were regular volunteers with St. Mary's food kitchen in Kansas City, and the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations to St. Mary's food kitchen, which is located at 645 Nebraska Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101.

Rosary Recitation will be at 9:30 am on Thursday, November 3rd at The Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd Street, Overland Park, KS, with visitation 10-11 am followed by Mass at 11 am. A reception will follow Mass at the church on Thursday. Condolences may be left online at www.mcgilleyhoge.com. Arrangements by, McGilley & Hoge Chapel, Overland Park, KS 66204. (913) 642-3565.