Paul F. Montes

Paul F. Montes II, age 60, affectionately known as Paul, Paulie, Plywood, Soul Shine, Cuz, Brother, and Grand-Paul, passed away peacefully in the early hours at home, Saturday, May 20, 2023 with his family at his side after a valiant struggle with cancer.

When Paulie was born he was immediately dubbed “the favorite child” to Paul F. Montes I and Mary Anne Montes Gladden in December of 1962… as well as “favorite brother” by his siblings.

Paul moved around the United States as part of his childhood was spent in Omaha NE, Montgomery AL, Pensacola and Navarre Beach, FL., where he fell in love with the ocean and beautiful white sand beaches.

He ended up back in Omaha in his high school years where he graduated from South High School in 1981. After graduation, Paul attended UNO on a Goodrich Scholarship. He attended Metro Community College where he won several awards from the Ford Mechanic program. Being still was harder than any kind of work for Paul. He loved learning new things with the attitude of… “it isn’t who is going to let me, it’s who is going to stop me”.

Paul met his beautiful wife, Tammy, 40 years ago and they instantly fell in love and married in 1986. Their oldest son, Jeffrey, was born in 1988 and their youngest son, Daniel, was born in 1994. Both inherited his unique sense of humor, good looks and kind heart.

Although a less than average life span, Paul did not live an average life. He traveled where he wanted to travel, learned what he wanted to learn, fixed what he wanted to fix, laughed at every chance and loved with his whole heart. And even in his waning months, he was a model of strong will and sheer determination right up until the end of his journey here on earth. His faith in the Lord was unbreakable. His love for his family is beyond compare.

He fondly reminisced about good friends, good drinks and good times. Quite a teller of tales, Paul’s elaborate stories of him and his cousins often were punctuated with the phrase, “And that’s when we kicked a**”!

Paul had a knack for making people laugh. Whether it was at him or with him, he didn’t care. Anyone lucky enough to have met or have known Paul, would have come away with a funny story to tell. Even on his worst days in the hospital he still made his nurses and doctors laugh.

He enjoyed all kinds of music and could just about karaoke any oldie but goodie song! With his chiasmatic personality, the smallest of corner bars best nights were when he came through the door… ready to school the young on shooting pool or darts for quarters or shots.

A couple of personal notes: To Omaha Steaks- you have lucked out as you will no longer be notified about me falling out of your dumpster and breaking 5 ribs.

To the gang in “Skid Row”: We grew up during the very best time to grow up in the history of America. The best music, muscle cars, cheap gas, fun keg parties, and when no one thought twice about seeing him jogging using a stick as his Air Guitar or “borrowing” a random bread delivery truck…… driving from Texas to Louisiana and those adventures of getting back to Texas in the U-Haul.

Paul’s regrets were few but include trying to hide from the police behind a piece of plywood while he carried it walking across the parking lot. Hence the nickname “Plywood”.

Paulie took fashion advice from no one. With his trademark “Muhammad Paulie” t-shirts and overalls, his comfort far outweighed any interest in the latest fashion trends.

He was the fourth of four boys and spent his time trying to keep up with his older, active brothers. Perhaps this is where he learned to run fast and picked up the skills needed to become an avid boxer. Joining O’Conners Boxing Club in the early 80’s, he made it to the Golden Gloves. We will have to hang up those boxing gloves now, for no one here has hands big enough to fit them.

Paul’s accomplishments were many. His passion for art is shown in his drawings as well as anything he built. He was a firm believer that spending time with family and friends on any given day at the beach, casino, or a good summer BBQ running through a sprinkler could cure anything!

Paul would always seem to look at the brighter side of things in life. His love for nature coined him the name “animal whisperer”, as squirrels would eat out of his hands and birds would answer his call. His many adventures with his sons and grandchildren were of hikes, pointing out all of God’s creations and then scaring them by pretending to get bit.

He was a generous kind-hearted man, a loving and caring son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather.

He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many. This man who loved life and taught his children to ‘laugh at the days to come’ is now safely in the arms of Jesus and “Dancing in the Sky” with those who were there waiting to welcome him in with open arms.

Preceding Paul in death, his father Paul F. Montes I, his mother Mary Anne Montes Gladden, his step-father “Big Al” Gladden, his older brothers, Chuckie Mollak, and Chris Mollak, his nephew Brian Salado and his niece “Annie Girl” Starkey.

His spirit is carried on by his wife Tammy Salado Montes, and his proudest accomplishments, his sons, Jeff Montes and Daniel Montes, six grandchildren, Serenity, August, Jon, Scarlett, Oliver and Parker. Three surviving siblings, Little Sister, Monti (Bill) Starkey, Big Sister, Gari Jo Mollak, Big Brother, Cory (Theresa) Mollak, and honorary sister, Pamela “Pammy” Dizona Collett. In-laws, Joel and Dorothy Salado, sister-in-law, Debbie “Big Debs” (Bruce) Tagwerker, brother-in-laws, Tony (Wendy) Salado, Terry Salado, Joey Salado and an extended family of relatives and friends from every walk of life, from childhood to present day.

Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating the life of Paul, the Man, the Myth, the Legend with VISITATION Thursday, May 25th from 4:30-6:00pm at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, with MEMORIAL SERVICE to follow at 6:00pm.

Please join us at Legends Patio Grill and Bar, 6920 Pacific Street after the service to celebrate Paul’s life, raise a glass as a final toast in his honor and remember one of the brightest souls gifted to us during in our lifetime.

There will be no interment service as per Paul’s last wish was return to the beautiful white sand beaches of Florida and roll with the waves after this life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westlawnhillcrest.com for the Montes family.