Jay Ryan Hightower, 46 of Van Buren, died Friday March 5, 2018 while traveling in the Ukraine. He was born in Malvern, AR on November 8, 1971 and graduated in 1990 from Northside High School in Fort Smith. He joined the Navy following graduation and was badly injured in the Middle East and was medically retired in 2012. He was a decorated Veteran and loved his family and his country.

He is survived by his parents, David and Pat Hightower of Fort Smith, AR and Penny and Ed Mealio of Dallas, TX; his brother Todd Hightower and his wife Lori of Van Buren, AR and his niece and nephew, Ashleigh and Garrett Hightower of Van Buren, AR.

There will be a graveside memorial service on Friday March 30, 2018 at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith with Military Honors. A Celebration of Jay’s life reception will be on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 4:00PM at Talianos Hall.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to any of the following:
1) Soldier On Service Dogs which is a non-profit 501(c)(3) located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They provide trained service dogs to Northwest Arkansas Veterans diagnosed with PTSD and/or Traumatic Brain Injuries, free of charge. They can be reached at (479) 521-9301 or Email at info@soldieronservicedogs.org .

2) Almost Home Animal Shelter at 3390 Pointer Trail East, Van Buren, Arkansas 72956

3) Hope Humane Society at 3800 Kelley Hwy. Fort Smith, AR 72904

Local arrangements are under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home in Fort Smith, AR.
Online tributes may be made at www.ockerputmanfuneralhome.com

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