Julian "Monte" Lucas Montoya

Julian Lucas “Monte” Montoya, age 86, passed away on January 28th in Fresno, California after a long battle with cancer.

Julian was born in El Paso, Texas to Maria Dolores Hernandez and Lucas Montoya. After graduating from high school in El Paso, Julian served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Reserve for 30 years, including serving during the Korean War. His career in the military brought him to Merced, California where he met his wife Rose Mary Torres. They married and made their home in Fresno, California.

Julian also had a long career in the insurance industry and as a private investigator with his own investigation agency, Monte Montoya & Associates. His last job had him working as an investigator for the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. He loved to work, spend time with his family, go bowling and travel with his wife. He was also a long-time active member at Our Lady of Victory and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jesus Montoya, and his wife Rose Montoya.

Julian is survived by his sons David Soria, Michael Soria, Stanley Soria and Randy Soria; his daughter Gabriela Gutierrez; his sister Rebecca Cuellar; 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; and numerous family members in El Paso and Dallas, Texas.

His family will miss him forever. Rest in Peace Pa.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, Fresno, CA on Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Memorial will be limited to 25 people. Please join our Live Stream if you are unable to attend in person.

Funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Fresno, CA on Friday, February 19, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Services are limited to 100 attendees. Please join our Live Stream if you are unable to attend in person.

Interment to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Fresno, CA. Services at Cemetery are limited to 15 attendees. Please join our Live Stream if you are unable to attend in person.

Live streaming will be available at www.whitehurstsullivan.com. Search Julian Montoya.