By Gary Montgomery

Monty (G.G.) Montgomery finished his tour of duty and service in this earthly life on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at Palo Pinto General Hospital at the age of 81. He was born Jan, 18, 1931, in Barton Chapel  (Jacksboro, Texas). His battle with heart problems and kidney cancer came to an end after a long struggle. Services were conducted at the North Oak Church of Christ on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. with burial at the Finis Community Cemetery with military honors.

At the early age of 9, he stepped forward to help his father and mother during those post depression years as a young boy washing dishes at a local cafe. When oil field jobs moved the family to Graham in 1942 when he was 12, he worked in cafes (including the Baker Hotel), at the local picture show as a projectionist, and for Bruce Brother's service station until his graduation from Graham High School in 1948 where he was honored as a member of Boy's State his senior year.

His father, B.E. Montgomery, died in a car accident when the oil drilling crew was returning home in 1947, and he thus became his mother Edna's mainstay at 16 years of age. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force with two goals in mind. One, to pursue a dream for more education as an aggressive learner, and then to provide any financial support possible for a widowed mother with three siblings to rear in those years following World War II. A monthly allotment from his salary would sustain mother and three siblings in critical years following his father's death.

Monty began a military career spanning almost 25 years at San Antonio to train as a radio communications operator and technician. At Biloxi, Miss., he graduated in the top two of his class and at the age of 20 was immediately assigned as an instructor for the next incoming class due to his aptitude and academic skills. After his training followed by a couple of years as an instructor, the Korean conflict erupted and Monty was sent to Korea where he served as communications officer for 102 missions before returning home.

In April of 1953 he married Ora Lee Chestnut of Graham and they began a tour that would carry them to many corners of the United States and the world. He was accepted into Meteorology School and achieved that goal with honors and thus began his assignments in forecasting weather and flight information. During that time, he studied at the University of Chicago and later completed his BS degree at the University of Alaska.

During tours in France, Germany and various locations, he and his wife would see much of the world and be blessed with three wonderful children: Bob, Ernie, and Penny.

In later years after acquiring the rank of Master Sergeant and turning down several OCS appointments, Monty would be cleared for CIA service for many of his military assignments. He retired from active duty 1972 as a decorated veteran with an illustrious career in service to his country.

The family settled in Mineral Wells in 1972, where he was employed with Electra as a supervisor in a manufacturing plant for a short time. While there he designed and implemented an assembly system that saved the company time and money in production. Having a family to rear and educate, he turned again to education and soon earned his teaching certificate in science and math. He taught in the Garner Schools for some 12 years where he was a popular teacher with a knack for challenging students to share his desire for knowledge.

During those years, he returned to Tarleton State University and obtained his MBA in preparation for another dream that would serve his community and family well.

Monty and Ora Lee bought and repaired houses and apartments that would become a growing rental business that helped many families. That endeavor has continued with success during the ups and downs of the last 30 years.

In addition, Monty established Monty Accounting and Tax Service and was soon known as a dependable and knowledgeable accountant for many businesses and families for years to come. He found much pleasure in working out financial problems and helping folks to achieve success. In recent years, he has filed returns for over 1,000 each year along with monthly bookkeeping services and investment guidance.

In his personal life, Monty was known as a very honest but quiet yet forthright individual who really avoided the limelight and found little purpose for making a big impression Yet strong character and profound intelligence always pushed him to the forefront.

In the military years, he taught Bible classes and held services for enlisted friends and families, and he served as a deacon and elder for years at the North Oak Church of Christ as well as their treasurer. In the 1980s when church growth overflowed their facilities, he spear-headed a building program that resulted in a fine facility to serve the church and community. Through the years he was a solid leader in the work of the church and known for his Bible knowledge as a teacher.

In recent years he faced several major health issues but always was able to return to his office ready to serve others. Monty Montgomery finished his life caring for his wife after a recent stroke and then faced health issues he could not overcome. He will forever be remembered a boy who became a man early in his life and served and cared for others throughout his years. May his legacy continue in the lives of his children and his family.