Glenn Michael “Mike” Hightower, 60, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2009 at his residence in Bryan after a lengthy illness. The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.
Born in Bryan, Mike served as the Deputy Director of the Texas A-M Sea Grant Program until he retired in 1999. Prior to that he once served as the Assistant Texas Land Commissioner when he was with the Texas General Land Office in Austin.
He received a Bachelor Degree of Science in 1971 from Texas A-M University, and received his Masters of Science in 1973. He had twenty seven years of experience involving marine and estuarine research, regulatory affairs, environmental issues, land management and natural resource policy with major emphasis on the coastal areas. Mike loved the marine environment and considered his work to be one of his life’s purposes. He expanded that love recreationally to scuba diving and snorkeling.
Mike was a great animal lover and will not only be missed by his family and friends but his furry friends too.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Hightower.
Survivors include his wife, Melissa Hightower, of Bryan; father, Erskine Hightower II; brother and sister-in-law, Erskine Hightower III and wife Diana; niece, Kimberly Garnett and her children Claire, and Will; niece, Leah Hightower; uncle, Clayburn Sample Hightower; and numerous cousins.
Your loss saddens me deeply. May you be blessed with comfort and healing.
With sympathy,
Mona
Melissa,
I worked with Mike at MAS. He was great to work with, I remember the first time he came to Rockport. The state had closed the oyster season and we almost got in a fight with some fishermen. Never a dull moment. We loved him and share in your loss. May God’s Peace be with you, Rich
We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed working and talking with Mr. Hightower and his wife. We are going to miss him. We will pray for the family during this hard time. Again our sincere condolences. May God bless you and comfort each of you.
Dear Melissa
Although it seems like yesterday, it has been many years since I worked with Mike (and George Ward) and visited you at your ranch in Brazos. Mike was such an asset in our world of marine resource protection and restoration that he will be sorely missed.
My condolences to you and love during this difficult time.
Dot
Melissa, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Mike. I hope you know that I thought very highly of Mike as both a supervisor and as a friend. I will always be very grateful for all of the support that he gave me over the years. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time and I wish you the very best.