1SG (Ret) Billy Joe Montgomery

Bill Montgomery departed this life the morning of Tuesday, May 10, 2011, while in the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. He had attained the age of 71 years, Bill Montgomery was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on July 1, 1939 to the union of Joseph Leroy and Evelyn Louise (Cooley) Montgomery. He enlisted into the United States Army at the age of 16 and married his childhood sweetheart, Nellie Jo Boatman two years later on October 11, 1959. Bill had a distinguished 20 year military career. He served as 1st Sgt at Ft Leonard Wood, MO and served 3 tours in Vietnam. He retired at the age of 37 and worked as a heavy equipment operator and an oiler for Howard Construction and for Prime Trucking Company as a long haul trucker. Bill was then hired on at the Engineer School where he was in charge of training development and new equipment systems for 17 years. He retired in 1996. Bill was a member of Eastern Star, Plato Chapter 240, Masonic Lodge AM FM, Scottish Rite and the Abou Ben Adhem. After retirement he volunteered his time as a DAV Service Officer assisting veterans, their spouses and widows with benefits for 10 years plus. Bill was a very well educated man and was very proud of the fact that he went on to further his education even though he had dropped out school in the 9th grade. He obtained his GED while serving in the military. He earned his Associates Degree in Science from Columbia College, his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Drury as well as his Master’s Degree in Psychology from Drury. He also obtained his Master’s Degree in Human Resource and Development from Webster University and was currently working towards his Specialist Degree in Education. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nellie Jo; his children: son Joseph and family friend Mary Sue, son Gary and daughter-in-law Jamie, and daughter Jonellie; his 14 grandchildren, Alexandria, Joseph Allen Jr, Rachael, Bridget, Abby, David, Cody, Felicia, Arianna, Brittany, Dalton, Camdyn, Anna Susan, and Landon and his two great grandsons Christian and Wyatt. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ellen Montgomery of West Terre Haute, Ind. and three sister in-laws Marjorie Trench and Cheryl Montgomery of Terre Haute, In and Kay Boatman of West Terre Haute, In. and several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother: Ruth Helen Creasey and brother: David Eugene Montgomery. Eastern Star and Masonic Lodge services were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 15, 2011 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert followed by military honors. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations in memory of Billy to DAV Chapter 49 Service Officer Fund and/or the Transportation Services Fund or the University of Missouri Hospital CICU.

1SG (Ret) Billy Joe Montgomery

July 1, 1939 - May 10, 2011