Montgomery Blackwell Noelke III

Montgomery Blackwell Noelke III died late in the evening of Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, in San Antonio, Texas. Mont was raised on the Noelke Ranch in Irion County, Texas. He attended the Mertzon public school from first grade through his graduation from high school. He graduated salutatorian in class in 1970. Afterwards he attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1974. Mont worked and resided in Corpus Christi, Texas, for most of his post college years. Mont will be remembered for many extraordinary qualities - foremost his West Texas work ethic. He learned early the satisfaction of a solid day of work and carried this throughout his life. Mont loved good books and stayed up late many nights at the ranch reading Steinbeck, Faulkner and Hemingway. His favorites, however, were You Know Me Al and especially No Time for Sergeants. Mont could be selfless almost to a fault. During a flood in the early 70's, Mont left the ranch horseback to rescue a man who was stuck in the mud on the opposite bank of Spring Creek Draw. He almost drowned trying to swim his horse to help the man. Mont accepted with grace and a special sense of humor the challenges he faced with his illness. Early in his life, he held a deep poetic affinity for Hank Williams, playing his albums every morning before walking to school. He inspired us with his determination to live independently without indulging in complaints or self pity. He also helped many people through his work in Alcoholics Anonymous. His special humility joined with his unswerving honesty garnered him the affections of countless friends from every walk of life and across many different cultures. Mont is survived by his sister, Paula Starche; his brothers, Fred, Lea, John, Ben, Ralph and George; by his uncle, Walter Noelke; and his aunt, Gretchen Noelke. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Mont was preceded in death by his parents, M.B. Noelke Jr. and Margaret Brons Noelke. He was also preceded in death by many ancestors but especially by his dear grandmother, Nan Lackey Delong. The family extends its deepest gratitude to the loving staff of Mission Oaks Nursing Home in San Antonio, Texas. Mont was blessed by their care and grace in the last years of his life. For those wishing to make a donation in Mont's memory, please consider the Mertzon Public Library, Box 654, Mertzon, TX 76941. Service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 24, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Mertzon. Interment will follow in Mertzon Cemetery. Family and friends may sign an online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.