Ben Montez

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Ben Montez was born July 26, 1942, in Boone, Colorado. He was one of four children born to Martin and Edna (Abalos) Montez. He entered into Heaven peacefully on December 15, 2021, at the age of 79, after seven and a half months of suffering from cancer. 

Ben graduated from Pueblo Colorado High School, and he proudly served his Country in the United States Army. He moved to Neosho in 1978 there he owned and operated Ben's Backhoe Service. Ben was an avid Broncos fan. He enjoyed playing poker with his friends and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was a member of St. Canera Catholic Church and a third-degree Knights of Columbus member for over forty years. 

Ben and Joyce (Patton) were married on January 25, 1969, in North Avondale Colorado, and she survives. 

In addition to his wife of 52 years Ben is survived by two children B.J. (Tabby) Montez and Audrey (Marcus) Russell both of Neosho. Then also nine grandchildren Alexus, Victoria, Josiah, Kylee, Isaiah, Mariah, Isaac, Ben-Ben, and Harley. One brother Fernando (Minerva) Montez and brother-in-law Dennis Barela all of Boone, Colorado. 

He is preceded in death with his parents Edna and Martin (Lolo) Montez; two brothers, Alvin and Ike with his wife Lil, and sister Mona Barela. Rosary will begin at 5 PM on December 28th, 2021, followed with a visitation until 7 PM at Clark Funeral Home. The funeral will be held on December 29th, 2021, at 10 AM at St. Canera Catholic Church in Neosho Missouri. Father Charles Dunn and Father Jerome Montez will officiate. Internment and Military Honors will follow at the Neosho IOOF Cemetery. 

Contributions in memory of Ben may be made to St. Jude’s Children hospital. C/O Clarks Funeral Home. P.O. Box 66 Neosho, Mo 64850.