Robert Hamilton Montgomery III

Rob was born October 17, 1961 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Robert Hamilton Montgomery, Jr. and Anne Attwell Montgomery. Along with his younger sister Mimi, Rob grew up in Corpus Christi living a young boys dream, hunting, fishing, and enjoying the beach. After graduating from W.B. Ray High School, Rob attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Education.

After college, Rob moved to Austin, Texas where he worked for the American Red Cross Cen-Tex Chapter for two years before teaching middle school science and coaching sports for more than 15 years. In Austin, Rob met the love of his life, Rhoda Jane Swanner and they were married April 6, 2002. In the same year, Rhoda was ordained to the Priesthood of the Episcopal Church beginning a lifetime together serving the church and community.

In 2008, Rob and Rhoda moved to Houston, Texas where he pursued a career as a petroleum landman and Rhoda accepted the call to be Canon for Christian Formation at Christ Church Cathedral. Two years later, they moved to College Station, Texas where Rhoda became Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Here Rob and Rhoda lived out their life, creating a joyous and loving home and community together and touching the lives of everyone they met.

Rob’s service in the Episcopal Church began at a very young age. In high school, he earned the Canterbury Award at the Church of the Good Shepherd Corpus Christi, the highest honor for serving more than 250 services as an acolyte. At St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Rob served on the vestry and, for more than 10 years, served as the floor manager for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Council Management Team. He spent many years advocating and caring for the clergy spouses of the diocese, working to make sure they had a supportive community around them. Rob was a past member of the Admiral’s Club of Austin, Advisory Member of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, and member of the Lion’s Club-College Station.

Rob is remembered for his big smile, calming presence, positive attitude, and the kindest heart. When friends returned to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Rob would greet them with a hug and cheerfully say “welcome home.” He was known to always reach out to celebrate friends’ milestones and accomplishments, big and small.

Our family wants to express our deepest sadness and great love for Rob, but we are at peace knowing he is in the loving hands of the Lord and reunited with the love of his life, Rhoda.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rhoda Swanner Montgomery, and his mother and father, Anne and Robert “Bob” Montgomery. He is survived by his sister, Mimi Montgomery Smith and husband Allen of Austin. Rob is also survived by nieces Hallie Smith and Elizabeth Smith, Victoria Pajeska, Christina Swanner, Rebecca Swanner, and nephew Cyril Pajeska, and several Godchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 1 at 11:00 am at St. Thomas Episcopal Church College Station. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Rob’s name to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church College Station Endowment Fund, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas c/o Brazos Valley, or the Camp Allen Scholarship Fund.