Dr. Ferris Dean Highsmith, 94 of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Decatur and West Union, IL passed away February 8, 2012 at Sarasota where he had resided since 1998. Dr. Highsmith was born in West Union, IL, the son of Charles Otto Highsmith and Leona Ferris Highsmith. He was a graduate of Marshall High School. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and his medical degree from Northwestern University School of Medicine. He was board certified in Internal Medicine which he practiced in Decatur, IL from 1947 to 1995. Dr. Highsmith is survived by his daughter, Dr. Carol Kammer and her husband Dr. Robert Kammer of Telluride, CO; his son, Dr. Robert Highsmith and his wife, Martha of Cincinnati, OH; four grandchildren, Amy (Kammer) Brenner, Christy (Kammer) Hoffman, David Highsmith and Andrew Highsmith; great grandchildren, Asha Highsmith, Mira Highsmith, Evan Highsmith, Maya Highsmith, Nicholas Hoffman, Lauren Hoffman, Jake Brenner, Kailey Brenner and Kolby Brenner. Dr. Highsmith was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline K. Highsmith in 2001 and a great granddaughter, Allie Brenner. Dr. Highsmith served in the US Army Air Corp during WW II. Services in honor of his life will be 3:00 PM Friday, February 24th at Pearce Funeral Home at Marshall, IL with Rev. David Deal officiating. Burial will be in the Marshall Cemetery with military graveside rites. Visitation will be after 2:00 PM Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.