Robert G. Montgomery

Robert "Bob" Montgomery, age 82, a friendly and unforgettable presence in Columbus for over half a century, passed away on December 11, 2013. Born August 21, 1931 in Atchison, Kansas, his athletic, social and leadership skills were showcased at his high school in football, as President of multiple clubs and in leads in plays. After graduating from Atchison High School in 1949, he and four of his closest friends volunteered for the Marines to serve in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1953 after earning the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Medal and the National Defense Medal. After returning from Korea, Bob enrolled at Missouri Valley College, and, soon thereafter, he started dating and married the love of his life, Joyce Brittain Montgomery, in 1955.

Two years later, Bob earned his Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations and moved to St. Louis to start his first post-college job at McDonnell Douglas. In 1960, because of his obvious human relations skills, he was recruited, hired and moved to Ohio to serve in hospital administration for what became a nearly three decade career in multiple hospital systems throughout the state, including Mt. Carmel, Cuyahoga Falls General, and Doctor's Hospital in Columbus. As he did this, he also served as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and as a Rotarian in the Dublin-Worthington Rotary Club. During his retirement, besides spending time with his wife, rooting on the Buckeyes and encouraging the many athletic, musical and academic talents of his grandchildren, Bob loved to volunteer at the Columbus Zoo Safari Golf Course. Survived by Joyce, his loving wife of 58 years; his children, Jerry, Jan (and husband Chris Jennings), and Brad (and wife Barb); grandchildren Matthew, Nate, Nick, Luke, Savannah, Jacob, Justin and Lindsey. Also survived by his brothers Ray (and wife Pat) and Mike (and wife Kathy), and brother-in-law Bill Brittain (and wife Sandy).

Visiting hours for Bob's family and friends will be held at the Schoedinger Worthington Chapel at 6699 N. High Street, Worthington, Ohio, on Friday, December 20th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at the Worthington Presbyterian Church at 773 High Street, Worthington, Ohio, on Saturday, December 21st at 11:00 a.m. The service will be officiated by Reverend Dr. Mack Sigmon and include brief military honors. It will be followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worthington Presbyterian Church or Doctor's Hospital, c/o the OhioHealth Foundation, attn: Doctor's Cancer Program at 180 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.