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Local pastor, also an Ardmore PD employee, killed in motorcycle accident Save Email Print
Posted: 10:50 AM Aug 28, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:27 PM Aug 28, 2008
 Reporter: Robin Beal
Email Address: robin.beal@kxii.com
47 comments

Robert Hightower
A | A | A

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.
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Posted by: Tonya Location: Owasso, Oklahoma on Sep 2, 2008 at 03:00 AM
What worldly good does it do for any of you to question the who's and what's? I am the neice of Robert, better know as "Uncle Robby" to his approx. 22 neice's & nephew's. He was the baby of 6 of my g-mothers children,but never the least of them. This man showered his love of Christ and compasion all over the world. No matter how much it pains our family, it ws his time and nothing could have prevented it. Not even a helmet! Our prayers go out to the lady whom was involved in the accident. God only knows why her used her that day. But it was not and will never be in vain. God has a plan for us all and HIS PLAN IS NOT OUR PLAN! We forgive her and if my Uncle Robbie was here, he would take her by the hand and say, "I forgive you!" Our love, faith and trust of our heavenly father will get us through this. My grandmother said today, "We didn't lose him. We can't see him, see his smile, hear his laughter or feel his warmth. But we didn't lose him, cause we will see him again one fine day!!!!!
Posted by: Dookey Location: Sherman on Sep 1, 2008 at 06:15 PM
RIP Brother Hightower, from a Texas rider.
Posted by: realist Location: everywhere on Aug 31, 2008 at 05:47 PM
choices...whats your point
Posted by: sam Location: oklahoma on Aug 31, 2008 at 01:21 AM
I never met a person who served the society so much.He was a policeman where his job was to mainatain peace and then he was also a pasteur where he preach about god's word for the benefit and well being of the people.And no doubt he did his both job with full honesty and pride.Some people live for short term and some are remember little longer but Mr. Robert Hightower lived forever and will be remembered for his kind and good deeds.I salute this guy and pray for his family. God please we need more Mr. Hightower to make this world a beautiful place to live.
Posted by: Christina Location: Sherman on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:33 PM
I did not know Mr. Hightower, but I just wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Posted by: Choices Location: Are Made on Aug 30, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Reminds me of a story once heard in church. There once was a great flood and many, including Reverend Smith had taken refuge on their rooftops. With the water rising, a boat came to Reverend Smith calling “get in the boat we will take you to high ground”. “No” the Reverend replied “The Lord shall provide”. A short time later another boat approached and implored the Reverend to take safety with the same refusal. With the water above the rooftops and the Reverend treading, a helicopter arrives. They are also met with the same reply and sent away. Reverend Smith is now at the pearly gates before Saint Peter telling him how he has led a life serving God and admittance must be a certainty. Saint Peter looks in the book and says “Sorry, your name is not on the list”. “There must be a terrible mistake” the Reverend replies. “Please go ask, I must be on it !”. Saint Peter returns and tells Reverend Smith “Well, He says He sent two boats and a helicopter". That tells me one must take prudence.
Posted by: Rebekah Location: Tulsa on Aug 30, 2008 at 01:10 PM
My Great Uncle Robbie will be greatly missed,we loved him very much....
Posted by: Ardmore City Worker Wife Location: Ardmore on Aug 30, 2008 at 01:01 PM
i just wanted to say all i see on here is people fighting about this. OMG!!!! come on people i go down b stree all the time cause i have a client and ummmmmmmm its not that hard so the moral of my theroy is she must have been doing something elese than watching for a motorcycle. then u guys gripe about the APD and what all dang they do what they can do. so thats that. on that note i want to say god bless roberts family and god bless Ardmore Police Dept. and god bless City of Ardmore as they have lost a good friend and brother
Posted by: David Jones Location: Cedar Hill, Texas on Aug 30, 2008 at 08:14 AM
I just wanted to say that Br. Robert was doing the work of the Lord.. I attended High School with him in Tulsa. Lets keep in mind that things happen for many of reasons, who is to say that his life was to be sacraficed so that someone else can be Saved? Now, the question is, Can you use what you have been taught? members, continue to preach and teach others as he done.. may God Bless you richly. dj
Posted by: Beverly Hightower/Hudson Location: Avant, OK on Aug 30, 2008 at 03:08 AM
I am Robert Hightowers sister. I first want to say it was an accident. My brother was not iresponsible he made a choice not to have his helment on. God is the one in controll of life and death, if his time was not up he would be alive just because of Gods power.I hope the lady that hit my brother reads this, thru our hurt and great loss WE FORGIVE HER and we hurt for what she must be dealing with. Please help carry my brothers torch of his love for God so the WOW church may carry on. Please remember our family in prayer. Please if you have anything negative to say DO NOT post it to this site as we are all, as in his family are reading this site.....Beverly Hudson
Posted by: Lori gail castillo Location: bristow on Aug 30, 2008 at 02:09 AM
Hey this is so sad that people have the audacity to fight or even point blame at anyone robert "robbie" hightower was my uncle and us as his own family are not mad nor pointing any fingers at anyone so please stop posting negative comments on here about my uncle or the lady that was involved in this whole mess thank you and yes my uncle will be greatly missed!!!!!!!
Posted by: RW Location: Ardmore on Aug 29, 2008 at 03:48 PM
I am a member of WOW Church and knew Robert and his family on a personal level. I loved Robert and am very sad about losing him. I can't believe all of the people making all of these horrible comments. Robert was only traveling at around 28mph, and had no where to go but into the car that pulled out in front of him. It wasn't his fault, and I guarantee that the other driver would never have purposely done something that would result in another person's death. She will have to live with this for the rest of her life! Robert would forgive her, and so should we. Our church is praying for this woman and her family, as well as for the Hightower family. We aren't just a church, we are a big family. Robert will be missed greatly by many. God didn't care if he was wearing helmet or not, it was his time. God has a purpose for this. We just have to trust Him..If Robert taught me anything, it was about forgiveness, and that God's timing is his own, not ours. Our faith in God will guide us.
Posted by: Fireman's Wife on Aug 29, 2008 at 02:59 PM
to ardmoreite, don't go where? All I am saying is no matter what the circumstances,emergency personnel see first hand the immediate results that all the rest of the public have the opportunity to comment on. Emergency personnel close their eyes at night and see the human carnage over and over. Seat belts in enclosed vehicles and helments on bikes and 4-wheelers would in most cases prevent some of the injuries, regardless of the blame, weather, inexperince, distractions or any of the other causes which result in human injury. God bless this family and the peace they have knowing where their loved one is now. AND God bless and give peace to the people involved that day at the crash site.
Posted by: BIKER on Aug 29, 2008 at 01:45 PM
There actually is a law that says that you have to wear a helmet unless you have taken a motorcycle safety course and have at least $10,000 in medical benefits.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 29, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Biker's Against Helmets, you want us drivers to slow down but wwe get out on the highway and look behind us and you idiots on the motorcycles fly up between us and another car thats passing without a helmet on and you wonder why you have a head injury, please don't make excuses, we haev to wear our seat belts it should be a law that you wear your helmets makes no sense at all, but if they did make it a law you all would be winning about it on here
Posted by: Bobby Bob Joe Location: OK on Aug 29, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Very sad, very sorry to hear this. I hate to see anyone point fingers though. Things happen, we all make bad judgements. I don't know this man, but I'm sure he would not want anyone blaming the woman that hit him. Just seems like the type of man he was. He would forgive her.
Posted by: Jim Location: Tulsa on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:52 AM
My heart goes out to all who have ever met Robbie. We are blessed for the time we had with him,he will be missed. I look foward to the "Joy down the road" when we meet again. I married into the Hightower family 25 years ago and have never known a better one.
Posted by: Biker's Against Helmets Location: Ardmore on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:23 AM
The fact being that this person that pulled out in front of Robert was probably putting on makeup or talking on the phone, thats why they "Didn't See Him"...BS! I'm sick of seeing these lunatic drivers running 80 mph in a 35 mph zone, running red lights or stop signs. Your the reason good people are being killed on motorcycles. SLOW DOWN!
Posted by: Jim Location: Tulsa on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I am a better man for having known Robbie. He would not like all the bickering posted here,he is in the arms of Jesus now and he has told many over the years ,"there is no better place to be."I miss you Brother" and I look forward to that Joy Down The Road when we meet again.
Posted by: Janet Location: Shawnee on Aug 29, 2008 at 09:56 AM
My heart broke when I heard about the accident. Robert will be greatly missed. I grew up with Robert in Sperry, OK. We had not talked in several years but I knew from his family that he was following God's will for his life by ministering to others. We need to continue to keep his family as well as the WOW church members in our prayers.
Posted by: tell it like it is Location: sherman on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:47 AM
I have heard all my life about accidents...to me an accident is when there is a mechanical problem--a WRECK is when people are at fault. It is not an accident when someone doesn't look or speed,drink and drive or whatever.This is heartbreaking-a family loses a dear member-the community loses a fine citizan. But be correct-wreck or accident?
Posted by: Deanna Location: Ardmore on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:18 PM
My heart and prayers go out the Robert's family and his church and friends. I never meant Robert face to face. We e-mailed each other and spoke on the phone. It was God who brought this man into my life to help my daughter in her darkest hour. He never passed judgement, he only gave her love. His family and church welcomed her with open arms! I will always be grateful to Robert for the love and guidence he has given my child over the years. The news of his passing has saddened us deeply. Robert, you will be greatly missed! Thank you for the legacy of love in Christ you left behind. Shannon's Mom.
Posted by: Member of WOW church Location: Ardmore on Aug 28, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Robert was a great person and God used him no only to speak his words but to show us out there that no matter what path you have chose in life that God loves you. Robert was a special person and God was ready for him to come home. He will be missed terribly but with the strength of Jesus we will go on. Keep his family in your prayers and also the driver. It was a accident!!!!
Posted by: Darla Location: Carter County on Aug 28, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Yes, Ardmore PD "might" work an accident of one of their own but, if there is anything unusual about it then they call in Oklahoma Highway Patrol specialist to recreate the accident scene. If APD2 is worried about a cover up or any of the family all they have to do is request a specialist to recreate it, But, I am sure that the Police Department will take care of it properly. The driver indicated that she didn't see him so how could they cover that up? Lets give the men and women that protect us some credit they too have lost a Fellow Officer we need to keep them, the Officer that came up on the scene and both families in our prayers.
Posted by: A. Location: Ardmore on Aug 28, 2008 at 08:06 PM
I have been attending wow church for the past 7 months. From the very first time I stepped into that place Robert welcomed me with open arms. He and my church family brought me closer to God. I have built my relationship with God and other people. Robert will be missed dearly. We cannot put a blame on anyone. What I believe is that Robert is standing by God and He is telling him 'WOW, look how you have helped so many people' I know Robert has changed my life for the better. I will not stray away, I will be strong because that is what I know he would want. I am keeping the Hightower family in my prayers along with the WOW church family. I know I have another angel looking down on me.
Posted by: Aware Location: Rider on Aug 28, 2008 at 08:05 PM
First and foremost my prayers go out to all that have been touched by Pastor Hightower. To the poster at 05:54 PM, of course it matters but this story again revives the debate of fault. There are those that would say it is the cars fault for not paying attention. Others would say the rider for not wearing a helmet. It's just not that simple. We all share the road and must be responsible for our actions. A motorcycle can be a hard thing to see. It is small and harder to judge its relative speed and position because of that. There are things a rider can do to increase his "footprint". Ride with headlight on, and wear reflective materials. Helmets are another issue. Given that most motorcycle fatalities occur due to head injuries perhaps this one could have been prevented. The story indicates he was only traveling at 28 MPH. Most all of us wear seatbelts whether by choice or law I do not know. Personally I use my seatbelt when driving and helmet plus other protective gear when riding. RIP
Posted by: Steven Location: Ardmore on Aug 28, 2008 at 07:51 PM
I am a motorcycle rider myself and idiots drivng vehicles don't watch or look motorcycles. I and my wife where hit by a car back in July. Simply because they was not looking in front them. They where in a hurry for a appointment in town. A helmet is not going to save you from people driving to fast or not paying attention where they are going.
Posted by: A Location: Marietta on Aug 28, 2008 at 07:36 PM
I'd just like to agree with the Wow Church member. I'll be praying for his family. He has made an impact on my life and he has taught us that trough God we can do anything. Bless all who knew this amazing man. May he watch over us and continue to guide our hearts with Jesus.
Posted by: JENNIFER GREEN Location: DURANT on Aug 28, 2008 at 06:57 PM
HEY MY OWN PERSONAL OPINION IS THAT NO MATER WHAT HAPPENS IN LIFE,WETHER U BELIEVE OR NOT, GODS IN CONTROL OF ALL THINGS .AND IF IT WAS NOT THIS MANS TIME TO GO TO HEAVEN GOD WOULD NOT HAVE TAKEN HIM HOME.SO JUST REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT .BECAUSE THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE.MAY GOD COMFORT ALL THE FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF GRIEF.
Posted by: i miss robert Location: ardmore,ok on Aug 28, 2008 at 06:39 PM
i will miss you robert and i wish i could have hugged you one last time i love you and will be at your church on sunday love i miss robert
Posted by: Keith Location: Hominy Ok on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:57 PM
Robbie was my cousin and friend. His death is a very tragic accident and people should not be pointing fingers or being anything other than forgiving. The other driver has to live with what has happened and that in itself is a harsh row to hoe in life. Robert would not want anyone to be anything other than rejoiceful that he has made the transition to Heaven to be with God. We need to remember the words that Robert spread and the beliefs that he had and shared with others. His life should be our example. Let's not judge and let's try to be Thankful for the time we had with Robbie. May God comfort his family and church friends in the very difficult days ahead. His mother, siblings, and family need your love, prayers and support. May God comfort all of us. Also may He bring comfort and peace to the other driver and her family.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:54 PM
How could any of you get on here and fight about this? A family just lost their loved one and a congregation their pastor. Does any of that matter?
Posted by: a Location: ardmore on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:51 PM
okay, we can all point fingers here. I know who ever was driving the vehicle is going to live with this for the rest of his or her life. I don't think this person should go to jail or anything. Accidents happen. Now if drugs or alcohol was involved yes they should go to jail. This man on the motorcycle is in Heaven. He had alot of impact on alot of peoples lives. And he was a good man of God. To his family we are praying for you through your loss. To the other persons and family we are praying for you to. This pastors time on earth was over his work here was done. God called him home. And not just motorcycles weave in and out of traffic other vehicles do to. The only thing with a motorcycle is theres a less chance of pulling through a motorcycle crash.
Posted by: adam Location: ok on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:49 PM
My prayers go to the family and his community. This goes to prove the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle. You just cant trust the other poeple on the road.
Posted by: Fozzy Location: Ardmore on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Just how does someone weave in and out of traffic in and intersection? MOST motorcycle VS car accidents are caused by the ignoramus in the car entering the path or into the lane occupied by the motorcycle. While it is a shame that this man was not wearing a helmet.. neither was the person in the car.
Posted by: APD 2 Location: Ardmore on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Oh yea let the Police say it it someone else's fault. They did the investigation on a crash of one of thier own. BULL!!!! Another false investigation by APD. IMPEACH THE CHIEF!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 28, 2008 at 04:50 PM
You are on here blaming the car and we have to watch out for motorcycles, weaving in and out of traffic
Posted by: ardmoreite on Aug 28, 2008 at 04:35 PM
To Fireman's wife...don't go there....
Posted by: Fireman's wife on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:06 PM
What a tragedy, please, bike riders, please wear your helments, emergency personnel can only do so much.
Posted by: Randie Location: Ardmore on Aug 28, 2008 at 01:22 PM
To Robert and his family, I only met Robert once but he has had a HUGE impact on my life and helped to get me back to Christ!! I will never foget you .. I pray for your family and Especially Nikki , She has had a tough few weeks and I pray so for her.. You were truly a BRIGHT LIGHT IN A DARK SPOT of where my life was heading... Thank YOU and god bless you !!!!!!
Posted by: Member of Wow Church on Aug 28, 2008 at 01:03 PM
God definately has plans for all of us. Robert was such a wonderful pastor and was able to reach people on a level that most couldn't. God worked wonders through him. He is going to be dearly, dearly missed. Please pray for his wife and four children and the rest of the family. Rejoyce because he is now with the one he loved so much.
Posted by: Becky Location: Lone Grove on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Robert will be dearly missed. I come to know Robert throught the Walk to Emmaus; he gave a talk on my walk and he touched my heart. He was a good Christian man and lived a life portraying our Jesus. DeColores
Posted by: Mythoughts Location: Ardmore on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:35 PM
What a sad loss of such a great man. I have attended his church and felt a real connection with him as a pastor. My friends have tears in their eyes morning the loss of a good friend and leader.You will be dearly missed. May GOD help heal your friends and loved ones.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:33 PM
KXII...Robert was never transported to OKC where he presumeably passed on. He was at MMHC the whole time.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Ardmor, Ok on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Keep Mr. Hightowers family in your prayers! Also the members of the Wow Church and driver of the vechicle.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:20 PM
APD, you know its not always the cars fault these motorcycles really need to watch what tehy are doing, I have seen them weave in and out of traffic without wearing helmets they are just as bad as the cars
Posted by: jm3 Location: France on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:15 PM
our daughter Morgane is spending an exchange year with the Hightower family, we are very sad and do think a lot about this Family and its community. Our thoughts are with them.
Posted by: Ang Location: Ardmore on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:36 AM
We were greatly saddened by this news. Our thoughts and hearts are with Robert's family. He had a good heart and was a good man.
Posted by: APD on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Once again someone in a car totally ignored a motorcycle and pulled right out in front of Robert. He had no where to go and tboned the car. We will miss you Robert! God Speed!
Posted by: Fozzy Location: Ardmore on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:00 AM
RIP Mr Hightower
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