I’ve followed his and his brothers story ever since I saw Dateline. He seemed like a good man. It’s awful that he didn’t have a lot of years left because of a corrupt DA. I’m grateful that he saw Jesus as a free and innocent man. My sympathy to his family. 

            Robbie Deakle, Bayou La Batre Alabama

Tommy and I went to von Steuben jr.high together. We saw race riots, come and go, but we're at those times merciful towards each other. (The stories I have). Good or bad, Right or wrong is for the Creator to decide. I wish you peace Tommy. I wish your family, only memories of your smile, your laugh. You live in my history, and many that I know. May you finally have the peace that you have sought in life. A fellow soldier

This is one of my favorite memories. Walking down the “aisle” and you both looked so happy. It’s been years, but I miss you more, not less. I’ll never know how to exist in a world where you don’t. I’ll see you next lifetime, my love. Heart & Soul. 
Love,
Your Wife 
🖤

I just saw this story on Dateline and felt so happy at the point where they were free n was hoping that they would be compensated so that they could live comfortably n then to see the very end that Tommy passed away my heart broke as if I knew him, My deepest Condolences to the entire family. Stay strong knowing that God knows best. Live good Ray n make ur brother proud. One Love.🙏🏽

This is so sad. I just watched the story of he and his brother on Dateline. They were treated so unjustly by the justice system and never had a harsh or bitter word about how their lives were impacted. And then to read at the end of the episode that Tommy had died so soon after his release from prison broke my heart.  This sort of thing happens all too often. I sincerely hope that someday something will be done to correct this travesty so no other innocent person and their family has to go through this. My heart goes out to all his family and friends. 
J.L. Howell in FL

So very saddened to learn of Tommy's passing...life did him so wrong.  None of this should have ever happened. I hope you are in a beautiful paradise Tommy...no pain, no injustice, just pure paradise for your soul.  I'm so very sorry he is gone, his light was so bright and we all were rooting for him to find joy. 
My deepest condolences to his siblings, especially Ray, and other extended family and friends. Gone way too soon .  Loved by so many..  🌹

Ray, I will never forget you and Tommys story.  
I am so very sorry for your pain.
Much love & strength to you and yours.
Fly high and free Tommy.

I could only cry after seeing your story. Unless you've been there, you'll never know or can imagine the damage left.... Tommy's passing leaves a hole in my heart, eventhough we've never crossed paths, but only through a similar life experiance. 
I wanted to express my sincerest and most heart-felt condolences. Sending prayers for strength, healing and much love for "The Highers Family"

God bless you all abundantly...
Shelly Saucedo
Nampa, Idaho

Saw your story on Dateline. . Think the two  brothers are just absolutely amazing and such brave and humble men!
 I’m so touched by their story. God bless Tommy and Ray. 
Condolences to the family. 

Nancy Robinson
Peterborough, Ontario
Canada

Tommy was a good brother to those who knew him,some of us have demons we just can't overcome!!! RIP Old friend,no more worries...

Just saw the Dateline regarding your case.  So sad to see you didn't get to enjoy the sweet satisfaction of freedom against the state's will for long.  Blessings to your family and Bowie.

I knew the Mother of his Children all her life. Married to her Uncle Bob Atkins. therfore knew Tommy and his Brothers and Father. This is a very sad. My condolences to all.

Rest peacefully Tommy. No more pain. ❤️ Please watch over your loved ones and send them signs to let them know that they are on your mind.... 

My deepest condolences to your wife Jessika. The love you two shared for the past several years was undeniable. Also, the love you had  for Bowie was so precious. ❤️🐾❤️

To your children and grandchildren - My deepest heartfelt condolences for your loss. It's obvious how deeply he loved you, it shows through in all the photos posted.

To your brothers Ray, Michael, Scotty & Robbie +u deepest heartfelt condolences to all of you. Brothers hold a special bond between one another. 

To the rest of your family and friends - My deepest heartfelt condolences for your loss.. it is never easy to lose someone you love. The pain that you feel, especially during the holidays and on certain dates, can be really difficult. Please know I send my deepest love and sympathy. Remember all the good times and memories that you created with Tommy.

The one thing that no one can ever take from you are the memories you created with that loved one. Hold tight to those memories ❤️❤️❤️

I asked, and was given permission to, post this personal picture, as it is not copyrighted material.


Known Tommy and Raymond for 50 years we went to wilkins elementary. School together. My nickname was lumps. We were kids remember him chasing me around the playground.He told me I was the prettiest girl in school! I will miss you Tommy Highers. .love ya always R.I.P

My friend, life has cheated you. You should have grown into a old man. Your smile will remain in so many hearts, and that laugh even when you were a young boy made everyone around smile with you.. You will be missed. 

I Will always remember him as the kid with his chain belt and leather vest .I will also remember him as my friend.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Jessika, Ray, Michael, Scott and Robby & the rest of the Family.  Ray; I was at Coldwater (Lakeland) when Tommy showed in 2001. We were bunkies in the day-room C-unit if I'm not mistaken. We stayed in the dayroom over a year before I got rode out. For where we were we made the best of it. It took me forever to get him to get on my blacktop hockey team, it was a blast. Tommy lifted weights daily and was committed. We walked and talked, we became close. Tommy loved you, he was set on getting you guy's out. He worried about you, at that time you were at Carson City. He didn't want YOU to give up and he was worried about that. Your guy's 1st 10 yrs you were together. I'm glad you guy's made it out. He Loved his entire family. His Children. It hurt me when your guys Mom passed away in May 08. I'm glad we spoke lately. Godspeed Tommy and he would want all of his Family to remain close and strong. Love you Brother! Aaron Agelink (Dutch Rebel)

I remember when we had an exoneree meeting over Ken’s house and I was introduced to Tommy, We brain stormed on how we all would connect our resources to further our Exoneree nation so that we could all receive better treatment upon release.

My deep heart condolences to Raymond and his family. When we were very young you would always see my brother Bobby and his buddy Bernal all the time together and hanging out with Tommy and Raymond good old times back then and I know Raymond you remember smoking that big fat one in your mom's car in the driveway.. My brother passed away many years ago. And I know Bobby and  Burnal and all of our six Mile crew are welcome Tommy home.. my loves and prayers to you Raymond again I do not do funerals too well my brother.. God bless you and all.. Peace and Love..

Tommy you where always such a happy person to be around i will never forget not to long after i met u i had Liam with him being born 3 months early he was so small when he came home from the hospital u came over with Ryan to welcome him home u where so scared to hold him because how small he was and how big u where he was only 2lbs 15 ozs but u held him like a champ u where all around a great uncle no my older boys as well u will be missed by many R.I.P at least ur finally not hurting or in pain send my love to Randy.

A true brother...He made our time in a bad place tolerable...He had my back...And i had his...I feel such a loss and am hurt we can no l9nger share memories together...My son was run down by a drunk driver and was fighting for his life at U of M childrens Hospital...Who was there for me???? Tommy!! Cuz thats who he was...Ide take a bullet for him...Him and Ray went thru hell together...But now Hes in Heaven Brother Ray...I cant express my loss nor yours enough love Big Thumper...Robert Marlow

Tommy Highers you are my brother thanks for the love and for the support. 

In your spirit...
#freetheinnocent
#freethemedicallyfrail
#freetheoversentenced

Innocence Maintained

Visitation

Funeral Service

Ryan Hirth and the late Nikki

Xander, Cypress and Elonn

Ray (Deana) Highers, Michael (Angelique) Highers, Scott (Miranda) Highers and Robby (Carly) Highers

Jessika Highers

He will also be missed by his dog, Bowie.


Thomas was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Marlene Highers. Also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

OBITUARY

Thomas Robert Highers

August 31, 1965 – November 14, 2021

Kaul Funeral Home

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