William Edward Highbarger (Bill) went home to heaven on February 14, 2015 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a 17 year battle with COPD.
Bill was born February 10, 1943 to Hazel (Scott) and William James Highbarger in Roundup, Montana. His parents divorced early in Bill’s life, and he was raised by his grandparents, Josephine and Bill Scott and Aunt Beulah Scott Rice. He attended school in Roundup.
Bill went into the Marine Corps in April, 1961. He went to boot camp in San Diego and did three tours on Okinawa, receiving jungle training. He was honorably discharged in May, 1965.
Bill married Sharon Branum in 1964; Vicki Lynn was born in 1967. The marriage ended in divorce.
Bill received his Bachelors Degree in 1974 and his Masters Degree in 1980 from Eastern Montana College. He worked as a rehab counselor in Lewistown. After receiving his Masters, he was a school psychologist in Miles City and in Great Falls. A new job brought Bill to Kalispell in 1986 where he met Karen McDaniel. They were married in February, 1988. Bill had a counseling practice in Kalispell for 9 years.
Bill enjoyed fishing, camping, reading and travel. He was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, the National Rifle Association and the American Legion.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents.
Bill is survived by his wife, Karen, his brother John, his niece, Tera, and daughter Vicki.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Friday, February 20 at 10AM at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, 1890 Highway 93 North, Kalispell.
Memorials are suggested to Home Options Hospice, Montana Wounded Warriors, and Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry.