Merle ‘Chow’ Highland

Merle ‘Chow’ Highland

1936-2016

Funeral services for Merle “Chow” Highland, 79, of Hideaway, Ts were held Oct. 31, 2016 at the Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home in Lindale, with the Rev. Bruce Rudd officiating.  Mr. Highland died Oct. 28, 2016, in a Lindale nursing center. 

He was born in Kenton, Ohio on Nov. 17, 1936, to the late Glen H. and Nettie E. (Van Sky) Highland and was formerly of Ohio and Indiana as well as Dallas, Houston, Kingwood and Columbia Lakes, Texas before moving to Hideaway over 10 years ago. 

Mr. Highland served in the United States Army Special Forces and the National Guard.  He worked for Balkamp which later became NAPA where he worked in many capacities.  He was the Houston warehouse manager and sales manager, setting up different store around Texas and then later became general manager for the entire Southeast Texas region.  Mr. Highland was a member of the Shriners and the Masonic Lodge in Kenton, Ohio.  He was an avid golfer which included being a former golf instructor at Columbia Lakes and managing the golf course pro shop in Kenton, Ohio.  He coached girl’s softball and boy’s basketball and loved rebuilding hot rods.  “Chow” loved to entertain and cook brisket for his neighbors in Hideaway. He attended the Mt. Sylvan Baptist Church and was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Thelma Jane “T. J.” Highland in 2007; siblings, Harry Highland, Russell Highland, Jude Mays and Betty Burgbacher; and by 2 grandchildren, Austin Easley and April Easley.

Mr. Highland is survived by his companion, Ginger Knauss of Hideaway; daughters, Robbin Durgin of Edgewood, Terry Highland of Canton and Denise Langford of Bullard; son, Scott Highland of Greensboro, NC; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  The family received friends at Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home in Lindale. 

Donations may be made to Hospice of East Texas Homeplace, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.