ARDMORE, Okla. -- A local pastor who was also an employee of the Ardmore Police Department died Wednesday night in a motorcycle accident on 12th Avenue in Ardmore.

Hightower, who was the pastor at the Wow Church on A Street NE in Ardmore, was traveling on 12th Street at B Street NW in Ardmore when his motorcycle and a vehicle collided. He was not wearing a helmet.

Hightower was taken to Mercy Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

"The driver indicated she didn't see him and pulled directly in front of him. It was on 12th Street. I believe his speed was only around 28 miles an hour," Cpl. John Randolph, Ardmore Police Department, said.

Hightower was also a civilian employee of the Ardmore Police Department whose title was "training manager."

Hightower helped establish the "Wow" Church near downtown Ardmore. It is a different kind of church, where shorts and sandals are welcomed. Church members prefer the term "partner," and they say that is exactly what Robert Hightower made you feel like.

"Everything that he did, he really has a heart and had a heart for the people of this community, and everyone he came in contact with they knew that. They didn't have to wonder about Robert. He was very real, very real," co-pastor Bill Clyburn said.

Funeral services are set for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Heritage Hall in Ardmore.

Hightower was 47 years old.