Terry C. Highfield
October 14, 1928 – January 1, 2021
In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place and he will be laid to rest with his late wife, Kathy at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo. All friends and family are encouraged to leave a condolence message.
Obituary
Terry Clifford Highfield, age 92, passed away at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo Friday, January 1, 2021 after a brief illness. He was born on October 14, 1928 in Greenville, Michigan, the son of Allen and Frances (Dickinson) Highfield. As a young man, Terry enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially football, basketball, and fishing. After graduating from Greenville High School, Terry went on to Kemper Military School in Missouri. He then earned his bachelor’s degree at Kalamazoo College, and his master’s degree at Western Michigan University in Physical Education. He then enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served our country during the Korean War and earned the rank of Sergeant. He married Lois Ann Stevens in 1952, to which, they had two children. He was employed with the Plainwell School District, working as a Civics and Physical Education teacher, Driver’s Education Instructor and coached football, retiring after 35 years of devoted service. Terry looked forward to his annual trips to Florida, also working outside, landscaping and gardening. He continued to enjoy golf, tennis and cycling, was a longtime member of West Hills Athletic Club and the Elks Club. Terry was very athletic and devoted to his love of sports. Terry loved to brag about his grandson, Jack, who is an NFL Lineman with the Cleveland Browns. On September 29, 1979, he wed the former Kathleen Conklin, and they were married for nearly 30 years, prior to her passing in 2009. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Kathleen, his brothers Jack Highfield and Bill Highfield. He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Dan (Donna) Highfield of Florida, Julie Highfield (Rachel Roberts) also of Florida, Michael (Denise) Conklin of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Darren (Barbara) Conklin of Battle Creek, Michigan, his beloved grandchildren, Jessica (Shawn) Wismer, Sean Conklin, Jack (Cait) Conklin, Emily Conklin, as well as his great granddaughter, Riley Conklin and great-grandson, Cash Conklin, who entered the world in November of 2020. Also, of special mention, his life-long friend, Leslie Rowell, whom Terry had known since high school.
Hife you were definitely one of a kind! Thanks for all the great memories.
RIP Hife. Still cracking up over some of the things I saw you do and say.
Mr. Highfield, you were one of a kind! Thanks for making High School fun. I remember having you for US History, but I must admit , I learned more about football and basketball, Plainwell in general, than US History!? You were a favorite amongst the students! Say hi to my Mom and Dad, and I’m sure you will tell her, once again, how much you loved the shirts she made you! Rest In Peace!
RIP Highfield. Great school memories. My whole family had him as a teacher and so did my husband’s family.
You will forever be a legend at PHS. Some of the best memories of high school have your name intertwined in the sentences of the stories. You will always bring a smile to my face when I remember you.
Be seeing coach, R I P
Thanks for the memories at PHS. RIP Mr. Highfield.
Terry obviously lived a very full life. Sincere sympathy to all. I take time to explore our Highfield family genealogy.
Mr. Highfield was my coach, teacher and sometimes mentor. I remember him as a human being that really cared about his students. I especially remember the driving lesson, he would say, slow down so he could get in a cigarette before going back to school. I also remember my Dad spoke very highly of Mr. Highfield as they were friends. RIP, Terry, God Bless.
I taught next to Terry for many years. It was always an adventure. He was one of a kind.
Feeling blessed to have known this man and to have shared meals and good conversations. Rest In Peace.
We worked and played together. Always simpatico. The country, the world could use an amusing Hifi civics lesson now. The stories and memories will live on.
Terry and I always corresponded around the anniversary of Kathy’s death. She was a close high school friend of mine, and it was a special tradition that Terry and I had for many years. This year I sent a letter as always, and when I didn’t hear back from him, I thought maybe I hadn’t sent it. Today it was returned to me with a note on the envelope that he was deceased. I came to this obituary notice and saw that he passed months ago. I am so thankful that someone sent my letter back even though it took until August for me to get it. I felt sad and shed a few tears when I saw the envelope, but then I realized he is now with Kathy, and that made me smile. What more could we ever ask?