Dr. Wilbur Hull Highleyman II, 92, passed away peacefully at 9:05 a.m. on July 1, 2026, at Heritage Home in Pinedale, Wyoming.

Born on August 20, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Highleyman lived a life defined by innovation, curiosity, adventure, and a pioneering spirit. Long before computers became part of everyday life, he was helping build the technologies that would shape the modern digital world.

Dr. Highleyman graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1951. He earned his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1955, his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1957, and his Doctor of Electrical Engineering degree from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute in 1961. He held four U.S. patents and published extensively throughout his distinguished career.

An internationally recognized computer scientist and entrepreneur, Dr. Highleyman had more than 30 years of experience developing real-time online data processing systems. His work included development of the original modem, now on display at MIT, and foundational software that enabled computers to recognize touch commands. Among his many accomplishments were the first computerized totalizator system for racetrack wagering installed for the New York Racing Association, the first automation of floor trading for the Chicago Board of Trade, international telex switching systems for ITT World Communications, the fault-tolerant database management system used by the New York Daily News, a 6,000-terminal lottery system for state lotteries, electronic billing and data collection systems for telephone operating companies, and message-switching systems supporting international cablegram and private network services.

In 1968, Dr. Highleyman founded The Sombers Group, serving as its chairman while building the company into a respected provider of turnkey software systems for mission-critical applications. He also founded and chaired MiniData Services, pioneering the use of minicomputer technology to bring sophisticated data processing services to small businesses.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Highleyman founded and served as Vice President of Data Trends, Inc. He worked at Bell Telephone Laboratories, where he was responsible for developing the groundbreaking 102 and 202 data sets that advanced modem communications. He also worked at Lincoln Laboratory, where he contributed to the development of one of the world's first transistorized computers, helping lay the foundation for the modern computing era.

Although his professional accomplishments were remarkable, those who knew Dr. Highleyman best also remember his adventurous spirit and enthusiasm for life. A passionate private pilot, he jokingly referred to himself as the sole proprietor of "White Knuckle Airlines”. He and his former wife, Janice Reeder-Highleyman, flew poodle rescue missions up and down the East Coast. He also enjoyed skiing, scuba diving, and traveling around the world.

Dr. Highleyman was a lifelong learner whose inquisitive mind never stopped seeking answers. He approached life with optimism, humor, and an unwavering belief that almost any problem could be solved with enough thought, perseverance, and creativity. His remarkable intellect was balanced by generosity, humility, and a genuine desire to encourage others. Many who worked with him in their developing years went on to careers in computer science and invention, carrying forward the curiosity and confidence he inspired.

To his family, he was more than an innovator. He was a father whose life taught the value of curiosity, resilience, independence, and exploration. His children watched him dream boldly, solve complex problems, embrace adventure, and remain endlessly interested in the world around him.

Dr. Highleyman is survived by his children, Leslie Ann Highleyman, Wilbur "Bud" Beck Highleyman, Virginia "Norene" Christensen, and Locke Tiffin Highleyman; and by his stepson, William "Bill" Waldron. His legacy lives on through his family, the colleagues he mentored, the friends whose lives he enriched, and the countless people who have benefited from the technologies he helped pioneer.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and staff at Heritage Home in Pinedale for the dignity, kindness, and exceptional care they provided during Dr. Highleyman's final years.

In lieu of cards, gifts, or flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local animal shelter or rescue organization, or that you consider adopting a shelter animal in his honor, as caring for animals was one of his passions.

Dr. Highleyman's life was a testament to the power of curiosity, innovation, perseverance, and adventure. He helped build technologies that changed the world, but those who loved him will remember him most for the wisdom he shared, the questions he asked, the adventures he embraced, and the love he gave to his family.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.