John E. Montgomery
John E. Montgomery, 82, of Dongola, and formerly of Goreville, died at 1:45 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2017, at Integrity Healthcare of Anna.
He was the seventh son of Homas Duco and Inez L. Albright Montgomery. He grew up on the family farm south of Marion, in the Neilson community.
He married Louise Turnage and they had four children, John Benson (deceased), Rowena June, Homas Duco “Duc” (deceased) and James Clark.
He later married Sandra Batson; together they had one daughter, Inez LeeAnn Montgomery (Casy) George, and gained two more children, Debby (Richard) Rushin and David (Melissa) Bierer.
He was saved in 1952 and was an ordained Freewill Baptist minister and a member of McKinney Chapel Church. He served as pastor of several churches in Southern Illinois. He was in the cattle business, farmed as a young man and built the United Market Center in 1976. In Nebraska, he worked for the Lute and Haythorn Ranches.
He is survived by his wife Sandra; daughters Rowena Montgomery and LeeAnn Montgomery (Casy) George; one son, J.C. Montgomery; Debby (Richard) Rushin and David (Melissa) Biere. One brother, Rev. P.L. (Betty) Montgomery, survives Paul (Peggy) Robinson and daughter-in-law Pam Montgomery, plus three sisters-in-law, Reba, Lorene and Lamoya Montgomery; 18 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sons John and “Duc” Montgomery; sister Helena Robinson; brothers Ross, Glen, H.D. and Raymond Montgomery; and daughter-in-law, Tracy Montgomery.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, today, at Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro.
Funeral services for Mr. Montgomery will follow the visitation at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Kenny Blumenstock and the Rev. Gordon Montgomery officiating. Interment will follow in Friendship Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Moving for Memories team to help fight this disease. Donations can be made online at act.alz.org/goto/movingformemories or mailed to Alzheimer’s Association, Courtney Finigan, Team: Moving for Memories, 320 E. Walnut St., Suite A, Carbondale, Ill. 62901 and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.