Richard (Dick) Sheldon Montgomery, 84 of Plainwell, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017.
Mr. Montgomery was born on June 13, 1933, in Otsego, to William and Pearl Washburn, but was later adopted by the late Floyd and Anna (Decker) Montgomery when he was about 6 years old to raise as their own son.
He worked as a roll wrapper at the James River Paper Mill in Parchment, starting in 1951. In 1953, he proudly left to serve in the United States Army, returning to working at the Paper Mill in 1955, until his retirement.
Dick was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and formed many wonderful friendships within the church. He loved life and enjoyed spending time going to car shows, woodworking, gardening with his tractor, and camping–especially at Shipshewana.
Truth be told though, Dick’s life mainly revolved around his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. The time spent with all of them was irreplaceable to him and the memories made during those times will be cherished by them all.
Dick leaves behind his loving wife of 38 years, Alene “Nancy”; their daughters, Patricia (Ralph) Rybicki and Starr (Rich) Adams; his former wife of 25 years, Shirley Montgomery; their children, Carolyn (Joseph) Durecki, Richard (Rena) Montgomery, Donald (Laurie) Montgomery, David (Julie) Montgomery, and Kathleen (Nick) Carimi; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Blanch (Archie) Howe; and many cherished relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his six sisters, Lillian, Frances, Evelyn, June, Shirley and Eunice Marie; one brother, Bill Jr.; and two grandsons.
Friends will meet with the family on Friday, Nov. 24, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 631 Grand St., in Allegan, from 10 to 11 a.m., where the funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Pastor Daniel Ward officiating. Interment will be at Poplar Hill Cemetery, Monterey Township.
Memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Wings of Hope Hospice.
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Home, www.gordenfuneral.com.
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