Leonard Carl Montgomery entered into eternal rest on May 8, 2018 at 4:15p.m. with his family at his side at the age of 95 years, 11 months, and 8 days. Leonard was born on May 12, 1922 at Fairview, Missouri.
As a young man, he found work helping to build Fort Crowder in Neosho, Missouri. He was soon recognized for his carpentry skills and he was given his own crew of workmen to supervise.
On October 18, 1944, Leonard was inducted into the U.S. Navy in Kansas City, Missouri. He served in the Pacific during WWII and at the surrender of the Japanese Empire; he was among the first convoy of ships to enter Tokyo Bay. He spoke proudly of his time aboard the USS Curtiss, the last ship he served on and attended many shipmate reunions. He was honorably discharged in St. Louis, Missouri on June 5, 1946, as Seaman 1st Class SV6USNR.
Leonard married Maxine Ruth Huffmaster on October 4, 1946 at Independence, Kansas. From this union a daughter, Carol Diane and son, Glenn Martin were born.
Leonard and Maxine resided on their farm west of Fairview, Missouri their entire marriage never leaving each other’s side for over 71 years. They purchased their farm from Leonard’s grandfather, Joel Montgomery, shortly after their marriage. Leonard farmed his whole life and always kept in high regard the land, which supported his family.
Leonard enjoyed carpentry and built several homes in the area including one for his Mother and Dad in 1954 and one for himself and family in 1956.
While farming was his primary occupation, he was an excellent judge of livestock and also a cow/calf producer. Leonard was always in the forefront in farming techniques and machinery. He had the first self-propelled combine in the area and was always in demand during harvest. Leonard saw many changes during his life, from working with horses and mules at a young age to steel wheeled tractors, to air inflated tires, to a man on the moon. His last tractor was even computerized! He was able to master many types of machinery and occasionally inform the dealership on operation procedures. He was often helping neighbors while putting his own work aside. Leonard worked tirelessly on his farm and was especially proud of the big spring at the foot of the hill that he enhanced entirely by hand. Leonard’s efforts and his generosity to his fellow man will be greatly missed. He never really retired, as he was checking his cattle daily. Of those who knew him well, his wit and humor was a part of “just Leonard”.
Leonard was proceeded in by his father, Oscar Riley, and mother, Ethel Rebecca (Stipp) Montgomery: one brother, Riley Gene Montgomery of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; two sisters, Marie Rebecca Gascho of Frankfort, Indiana and Catherine Marilyn Riffey of Sawyer, Kansas.
He is survived by his wife, Maxine, of the home; Glenn and Deborah Montgomery, of Fairview, Mo; Carol and Ned Metzger, of Mulberry, Indiana; one brother, Joel Montgomery and wife Sharon of Tallahassee, Florida; two grandsons, Justin Joel Montgomery and wife Jennifer and Great-Granddaughter, Katherine Elizabeth, of Aztec, New Mexico; Jason Martin Montgomery of Fairview, Missouri; one granddaughter, Victoria Suzanne of Ponta Vedra, Florida; brother-in-law Gale Huffmaster and wife Rose of Monett, Missouri; sister-in-law, Ruth Montgomery of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Dolores Bertalot with husband Charley of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and A special friend and neighbor who always called him “Grandpa”, Michael Cummings. Along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Active pallbearer are: Justin Montgomery, Jason Montgomery, John Montgomery, Ralph McLaughlin, Larry Riffey and Charles Riffey.
Honorary pallbearers are: Greg Montgomery, Jim Montgomery, David Montgomery, Joe Montgomery, Matthew Montgomery and Michael Cummings.
Visitation will be Monday May 14, 2018 at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Chapel in Monett, Missouri from 5 to 8p.m.
Funeral services will be Tuesday May 15, 2018 at Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri at 10a.m.
Interment will be at Dice Cemetery, Fairview, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers contributions to Dice Cemetery of Fairview, Missouri can be made to the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home, Monett, Missouri.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri.
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