HIGHTOWER, Phillip, "Phil" age 74, formerly of Farmersville, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023. He was a graduate of Farmersville High School in '67 and received his Associate in Fire Science Technology from Pikes Peak Community College in 2000. Phil served in the United States Navy from '67 to '71 as a Photographic Intelligence Specialist primarily aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. He began his service as a firefighter in the Sherman Fire Department beginning in '76, then fulfilling the role as a driver in '78. Graduating from the Fire Academy in July of '81, and then shortly thereafter graduating from Grayson County Community's first paramedic class in '83. He progressed to Fire Marshal in '96 and held the distinction of 'Master Fire Fighter.' Phil was 'Fireman of the Year' in '03 and again in '04. Phil was one of the creators of the "Klown Kompany" beginning in '03 and is a part of the kids' fire prevention program. The Klown Kompany still stands today as a fire prevention program for school age kids through the Sherman Fire and Rescue. Phil served the Sherman Fire Department faithfully until his retirement in '05. He was an instructor for Haz-Co Emergency Response Training Center from '94 until his retirement in '16, where he trained thousands of students in educational fire/EMT courses. Phil was a beloved husband, father, Papa and friend who loved to entertain. After retirement, he spent most of his time telling stories of the old days with his grandchildren or tending to his cherished 'JP Ranch.' He was a long-standing member of the VFW, the American Legion and the Whitesboro Riding Club. He had a passion for his family; his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he met. Phil is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Janetta Hightower; 4 children; 13 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild. No funeral service at his request.