Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Inc. Established 1853
Ronald E. Highlands
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SSgt (Ret) Ronald E. Highlands, US Army, 58, of Martinsburg, WV and formerly of Carlisle, died suddenly Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at City Hospital in Martinsburg.  He was born on Monday, May 4, 1953, at Carlisle Barracks, a son of Robert E. and Alpheretta “Freddie” (Steele) Highlands of Carlisle.

Ron graduated from the Eisenhower High School in Lawton, OK and received his Bachelor and Master degrees from Columbia Southern University in Alabama.  He retired from the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant after 20 years of service.  He served during the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War with the Special Forces Airborne and earned many awards and honors.  After retiring from the military, he was employed and also retired from the PA Emergency Management Agency, and was currently employed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Ron was a life member of American Legion Post 101 and V.F.W. Post 477, both of Carlisle.  He was also a member of The International Assoc. of Fire Chiefs, North Middleton Twp. Fire Co., where he was a past Fire Police Captain, the Union Fire Co. in Carlisle and the Cumberland County and PA Fire Police Associations.  He was also a member of Lions International and was a past President of the Carlisle Lions Club.  Ron also served as an Emergency Medical Technician.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of 5 years, Theresa Marie (Urbasik) Highlands, three brothers; Robert E. Highlands, III (and his wife, Pattie) of Olympia, WA, Russell E. Highlands( and his wife, Denise) of Carlisle and Raymond E. Highlands (and his wife, Lisa) of Carlisle, one stepson, Kenneth R. Kerstetter, II of Newville, two stepdaughters; Pamela L. Kerstetter of Carlisle and Amy C. Kerstetter-Highlands of Colorado Springs, CO, his nephews; Aaron, Andrew, Rodney and Kevin, his nieces; April Outlaw, Sara Highlands and Laura Armolt and one great-nephew, Liam Outlaw.  Ron was preceded in death by his first wife, Sheila Ann (Harden) Highlands, who died Aug. 14, 2000.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, with Rev. John L. Shellenberger, Jr. officiating.  Burial with military honors by Cumberland County Honor Guard will be in Waggoners United Methodist Church Cemetery, Carlisle.  Viewing will be on Monday from 5 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home and on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of the services.

Click here to send a condolence

 
 You have my sincere condolences on the passing of Ron.
 His untimely passing is a great loss for all that knew him.
We will all miss him.
 
 John Forr, Colonel  USMC (Ret)
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 Theresa,
I am so sorry for your loss. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Karen Fitzpatrick
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 Ron was a very good story teller.  He will be missed.

 Cathy Urbasik
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I was priviledged to work with Ron during our time together at FEMA Headquarters.  We shared similar backgrounds (Military & Fire Service & FEMA) and enjoyed being in each other's company.  I only saw Ron a couple of times after that when my work took me to where he was working for FEMA.

I will  miss Ron and I offer my hearfelt condolences to Ron's Family.

Ed O'Neill
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Ron was not only a good friend, but he was also family. I'll never forget all that he taught me as a fellow member of the fire service. His teachings and friendship will truly be missed by all who knew him. R.I.P. Ron.

Brian Schaffner
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Terry and Family: Our deepest sympathy to you all. Ron was a true friend, adopted father and grandfather to our family. We will miss him and love him forever. I am truly saddened by the loss of a true gentleman, and a dedicated serviceman to our country. We are honored to have had him touch our lives. May God bless each of you and may you find comfort knowing you will see him in heaven some day.

Linda Holmes and family
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My thoughts and prayers are with the Highlands family during this time of great loss. Ron was always a friend and advisor to me during our time together at PEMA.

Joe Suders U.S. Army (R)
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Bob & Freddie,
We're so sorry to hear about your son Ron. Our "Thoughts and Prayers" are with you.

Ron, Rose & Ronnie Sheaffer
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As Ron's neighbors, we will greatly miss his kindness, humor, and able leadership of our home owners' association.  Ron always had a good word for everyone. Theresa, his family, and his friends will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Harley and Sheila Tingler and family
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I am sorry for you loss and will keep you, your husband, and family in my prayers.

Lesley Kotlanger
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Hi Freddie and Bob,
Shocked to see Ron's passing.  He was/is too young and too busy to be lost to the population now. Please accept my sorrow at your loss.

Charlie Maclay
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Dear Theresa and family, We are with you in prayer and many hugs when you need.

Nancie Gooden and Mikey
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Theresa, I feel so priveleged to have met you and Ron. You have been in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I have no doubt that he was a brave, good man. I carry you in my heart.
Amy
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I am so sorry for the untimely loss. Please accept my personal condolences and my heartfelt thanks for his services to the country and the community.

J. Theodore Wise
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I wish to express my deepest sympathies to Ron Highlands' wife and family.  I knew Ron from FEMA and he was one of the nicest, most pleasant people I know.  Ron always had a smile and always had interesting stories to tell.  It was a shock when I heard of his passing as it was just last Wed. when I last saw and spoke to him.  I will miss you very much, Ron!

Bonnie Darr
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I knew Ron through the Martinsburg Lions Club.  The most recent project we worked on together was the program for the club's 75th anniversary.  Ron did an excellent job printing this program.  He was always so willing to use his many talents to help the Lions Club.  I will also miss our conversations at club meetings.  My sincere condolences to Ron's family and friends.  He will be sorely missed by all who have known him.

David Plume
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Theresa,  Our prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss.

Brian and Marie Crim
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Deepest Sympathies.

Officers and members of the Union Fire Co. No. 1
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Ron was, and will always be, an honorable uncle, helpful brother in law, and great pinochle player.

Marie Rickrode
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I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of great sorrow.

Christine M. Talley
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I was sorry to hear of your loss.  Ron worked with me at PEMA.
  He was a very nice man.  It was a pleasure knowing him. 
 You have my deepest sympathy.

 Karen Critchfield
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Dear Terri & Family,
Paul and I were so sorry to hear the loss of your husband.
 Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Love,
Paul & Sally Kessler
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Our Deepest Sympathies for Your Sudden Loss.

Louis M. Werdebach & Family
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Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Inc.
Since 1853
630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, PA 17013
Phone:  (717) 243-2421
 
"Five Generations of Service"
 
Steven A. Ewing, FD, Supervisor, Owner
 
William M. Ewing, FD
(1926 ~ 2009)
Seymour A. Ewing, FD
(1926 ~ 2009)
Jessie Morrison Ewing, FD
(1892 ~ 1988)
William J. Ewing, FD
(1898 ~ 1934)
Hastings A. Ewing, FD
(1866 ~ 1924)
Alexander B. Ewing, FD
(1831 ~ 1903)

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