Benny Ramos Montanez

Benny R. Montanez-Benny went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 8, 2012. He was born January 26, 1921 in Denver, Colorado and raised in Lovell, Wyoming. He resided there until he joined the United States Army and served in the Philippines from 1944-1945. He also served in the United States Air Force Reserves where he was a part of the 2347th, the 452nd bomb wing, and the 451st amphibian truck company, During his service he was an amphibian truck driver and a sharpshooter carbine. He participated in battles in the North Solomans, in the Southern Philippines and in Luzon. He received many decorations during his service, including the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Arrowhead, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

After his time in the service Benny moved to Santa Ana, California and resided there for 29 years until he returned to Lovell, Wyoming in March of 1972. He returned to California in 1975 and settled into Escondido where he resided until his death. He is preceded in death by his father, Guenobelo Montanez; mother, Isidra Ramos Montanez; wife, Esther Felix Montanez; daughter, Sally Berela; and grandson, Joseph Berela. He is also preceded in death by his brother Phillip and Josefa Montanez; sister Senona and frank Padilla; brother, Manuel and Aurora Montanez, brother Paul and Bessie Montanez; sister Teresa Montanez; nephew, Robert Contresa; and sister, Mary Contresa. He is survived by his son, Benny F. Montanez and daughters, Anna Jean Smith (Tom) and Gloria Zamora (Recardo), plus 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

He worked at El Toro Marine Base as a heavy equipment operator and retired in November of 1971. He also worked at Surefit on Main Street in Santa Ana, California and the 76 Gas Station at the corner of Edinger and Flower Street. He was involved in the Men on a Mission organization ans helped build churches in Tecate, Tiajuana and other places in Mexico. He also helped build in Hawaii, Canada, Oregon, and California. He did missionary work in the California and Mexico jails.He was also a member of the American Legion Post 0149.

He will be deeply missed. Please join us for the visitation on Monday and the service on Wednesday.