Trueman, a cherished man whose presence touched the hearts of many, has passed away at the age of 90. He left this world on November 1, 2023, surrounded by family and friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts. A Celebration of Trueman's life was held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at The Worship Center in Harrisonville, MO, followed by interment at Clearfork Cemetery in Garden City, MO.
Trueman was born on April 24, 1933, to Roy and Mary (Izard) Hight in Duncan, OK. After many moves during his childhood, he graduated from high school in Napa, CA, and shortly thereafter started basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Oakland, CA. He served in multiple positions during his long military career, ranging from Air Force military police to an agent with the Office of Special Investigations in Ankra, Turkey where he specialized in counterintelligence and counter espionage. He served as bodyguard to five American presidents and served undercover in Vietnam with the Joint Narcotics Investigative Detachment Unit. Trueman retired from the Air Force in 1974 after 23 years of service.
Upon retirement from the Air Force, Trueman attended the Midwest Baptist Seminary where he received his master’s degree in religious education. His deep passion to serve Jesus Christ led him into seminary and he became a pastor at Coleman Baptist Church in Peculiar, MO. This is when his passion for working with youth began, and where the Missouri Teen Institute and Western Regional Teen Institutes were born. Trueman made a huge impact with the teens he worked with at these drug prevention programs from 1980-1997.
Family was the cornerstone of Trueman's life. He is preceded in death by his wife, Alberta, of 64 years. He leaves behind his son, Dennis Hight; his daughter, Marie Lloyd; and son-in-law, Jim Lloyd; grandchildren, Alisha Housman and Anthony Derby; and great-grandchildren, Micah and Noa Housman.
Trueman was a beacon of kindness, love, and strength and his impact on the lives of those around him was immeasurable. He leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration that will endure through the memories and stories shared by those who knew him. His memory will continue to serve as a source of guidance and strength for all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
