Joe W. Montgomery

Joe was born in Austin, Texas, in June of 1923. After graduating from Austin High School in January 1943, Joe began a distinguished military career in February 1943. He served in the U.S. Army 343rd Infantry as an infantry and mortar gunner in the European Theater and also in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He received several decorations and citations. Joe was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army at the end of World War II and returned to Austin where he began work with the Southern Pacific Railroad. He entered the Texas Army National Guard in September 1948 where he rose to rank of Chief Warrant Officer by time of his retirement in June 1983 with 37 years of honorable military service. During that period he received several awards and outstanding commendations including the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal and the U.S. Meritorious Service Medal.

On May 5, 1949, Joe married Norma Grace McAninch. Their daughter, Kathleen, was born in 1951. In the 1970s, Joe began to receive recognition in the Austin garden scene due to his talent for growing tropical plants in a central Texas climate. Joe's hobby as a gardener developed into a lifelong passion and he was acknowledged and awarded on many occasions by The Garden Club of Austin. After his retirement, Joe engaged in the family business of running Blue Chip Cookies. Joe was also an active member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Austin for many years.

Joe is survived by his daughter Kathleen and her husband, Tom Smelker, and his two granddaughters Kimberly and Angela. Joe also left behind a sister and nephews and many life-long friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Garden Club of Austin, First Church of Christ, Scientist in Austin, Texas Military Forces Historical Foundation or an organization of your choice.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, November 27, 2015 at 10:00 am at the LTG Thomas S. Bishop All Faiths Chapel located at Camp Mabry, Austin, TX. A photo ID is required to enter Camp Mabry. A reception will follow the service at the Texas Military Forces Museum Hall of Honor room, located across from the chapel.