W C Montgomery

W.C. ‘Monk’ Montgomery, age 85, passed away peacefully after receiving the last rites of the Church on Friday afternoon, August 26th at his home in Plano, with his family gathered around. Monk was born in Petersburg, Texas on August 25th, 1931, the son of Gilbert W. Montgomery and Mary L. Rasberry Montgomery. Born into difficult economic times his family often moved to where seasonal work was available. A funeral director at heart well before he knew it he conducted funeral services for the pets of neighborhood children. He left school in the 8th grade to help financially support his family. He would go on to enlist in the Air force when he came of age and during the course of his 20-year Air Force career, spanning 1951-1971, he ascended to the rank of Technical Sergeant. He retired honorably having served in both Korea and Vietnam. The Air Force provided him the opportunity to complete his GED and his Associates degree.

He often said that the best day of his life was when he met Hannah. They were married on December 19th, 1964 in Waco, Texas. Hannah’s sister Shirley Miller introduced them and after only two dates they were married, it was truly love at first sight. They had an enduring love that lasted well beyond Hannah’s passing in 2010. Their only child, Debra Lyn, took after both of her parents in her pursuit to serve others and would go on to be a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. She later married Mark Stevens in 1991 and Monk always considered Mark his own son.

After retiring from the Air Force he answered his calling to be in the funeral business. He went to mortuary school and was a licensed funeral director for over 40 years. He loved helping families and honoring their loved ones, and was a calming presence in the middle of their grief. He worked at Ted Dickey Funeral Home until he was forced to retire after having a stroke.

His grandchildren knew him as Pop-paw, and he was a staple in their lives. He was present for every big moment, including many sporting events, graduations, and everything in between. He lived with his grandson Garrett, who followed in his footsteps and joined the Air Force. He was able to watch his granddaughter Kierin play in multiple softball games this last spring, much to his delight. One of the things his grandchildren loved most about him was his sense of humor, he often said it was better to laugh than to cry and stayed true to this even in his last days.

Monk and his wife Hannah were active members of Holy Nativity Church for many years. He ushered almost every Christmas morning service and always lent his help with funerals. He also loved volunteering at the food pantry every Monday and handing out food to those in need.

Monk was preceded in death by his loving wife Hannah Kathleen Montgomery, his sister Barbara May Shelton, and his brother Ronald Lee Montgomery. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Mark Stevens, grandchildren, Garrett and Kierin Stevens, and niece and nephew, Latonya Reynolds and Eddie Shelton. Requiem Mass will be Tuesday August 30th at 10:00AM at the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Plano. Presiding clergy will be The Reverend Father Garrin Dickinson and The Reverend Canon John Kline. Internment will follow at the Plano Mutual Cemetery. Pallbearers will be TC Riley, Cody Darden, Ken Batzler, Scott Hinshaw, Eddie Shelton, and Bryan Dittman. There will be a reception at the church following internment. The family suggests memorials may be made in his honor to Fisher House Foundation, 111 Rockville Pike #420, Rockville, MD 20850 or on line at Donate.Fisherhouse,org.

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