SPC Casey Frank Highberger, United States Army, Ret.

Casey Highberger was born in Bad Cannstatt , Germany on February 10, 1980 and passed away July 14, 2011 at Harker Heights, Texas.

Casey was a world traveler, educated in the Department of Defense Education system, Ellison High School and CTC. Casey proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Specialist, for three and a half years. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, at Camp Bucca Detention Facility. He continued his service in the Texas National Guard. His many military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and numerous other decorations.

At the time of his death, Casey was medically retired from the military.

Funeral services were held on July 11 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

After the service, the Riders led the procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas where the procession was greeted by fifty American flags blowing briskly in the hot Texas wind.

The flag draped casket was removed from the hearse, by the Army Honor Guard, and carried slowly into the committal shelter. Lt. Col. Austin of the United States Army Chaplain Corps led the gathering in final prayers.

Full military honors were then afforded SPC Highberger. The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. Taps was played by a bugler who is retired from the Army, after more than twenty years in the Army Band.

The American flag that covered the casket was carefully folded into a tight triangle and presented to a senior Non-Commissioned Officer, who then presented it to the Highberger family on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation in thanks for his years of faithful service.

SPC Casey Highberger was then laid to rest, as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Kirt and Martina, a sister, his grandparents, numerous other dear family, many close friends, his Battle Buddies and fellow soldiers at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.





With thanks to the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information.