Alvin George Montague

Alvin George Montague, 88, of Winter Haven Florida, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, January 15, 2023. Alvin was born to the late Glen and Leila Montague in Sheridan Township, Michigan on May 9, 1934. As a young boy he became a part of the late Albert and Edith Morlock family, who raised him through his young adult years. He graduated from the 8th Grade on May 18, 1950, from Hersey Agricultural School in Hersey, Michigan. He filled his 88 years with a lot of life, including hard work on the Morlock farm to the Ohio Pipeline to Homes of Merit; mischievous moments of pranks and shenanigans; marriage to his sweetheart Betty Finley on March 10, 1956 who have been together a total of 68 years. Together they started their life in Remus, Michigan where Betty taught school and Alvin built furniture. In August 1959 they moved their growing family of 3 to Florida and started a life-long adventure. Alvin and Betty joined First Church of the Nazarene in Winter Haven shortly after moving here and served and supported the church faithfully. He was known as a Sunday school teacher, building and grounds volunteer, and youth ministry volunteer, including hosting the youth group at the cabin in Ocala. Alvin was known to be a hard worker no matter the project, generous to those who had less than he had, adventurous through family camping vacations, and a notorious storyteller. If you ever had a moment, he had a story to tell, some more believable than others! Alvin retired from Homes of Merit in Bartow, Florida, and missed it every day after. He always said he should have never retired! Homes of Merit was a family of friends and fellow pranksters. Alvin worked hard and played hard. After retiring, he and Betty set the goal to visit all of the 50 states and accomplished it just a few years ago. His favorite was Alaska. He enjoyed time at the family cabin in Ocala over the years, traveling with Betty, hunting with his sons, playing cards and talking about his kids and grandkids. He prayed for each one of them every night. Alvin was a son, brother, husband, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be deeply missed. Keep telling his stories, add your own twist, that way his stories will keep getting better!

He was preceded in death by Richard Montague, brother; Kevin Montague, son; Glen Montague, father; Leila Montague, mother; Milton Morlock, brother; Don Montague, brother. He is survived by Datus Montague, brother of Reed City, MI; Betty F. Montague, wife of Winter Haven, FL; Milton Montague (Kim), son of Winter Haven, FL; Ken Montague (Lori) son of Lakeland, FL; Twyla J. Stanifer (Chris), Daughter, of Rapid City, SD; 6 grandchildren: Nicole (Adam), Crystal (Christopher), Kristi (Brandon), Brennan (Kaitlin), Taylor (Chase), and Kenny (Hannah); and 10 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 1 – 2 p.m. with a Celebration of Life following at 2 p.m. Both will be held at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Auburndale, Florida. In lieu of flowers please consider donations in memory of Alvin to these organizations whose mission and purpose were dear to his heart out of his own story: Showhope.org, Fosterthefamily.org, Onemorechild.org