Thomas Montgomery

By | July 1, 2021

Thomas Patrick Montgomery passed away suddenly in the home of his son, Todd, in North Carolina on Tuesday, June 22. He was 79.

Tom was born October 12, 1941, in Wellston to the late Ed and Katie Montgomery into a big family with two brothers and two sisters (John, Rita, Jim and Mary Sue). He grew up in Wellston and was a 1959 graduate of Wellston High School. Tom loved sports and played multiple sports throughout high school. He even spent a season playing college football in Wisconsin before returning to Wellston, where he wanted to be the most. Tom spent the majority of his career working for McNally-Pittsburg Manufacturing as their Chief Estimator. After McNally’s Ohio operations were discontinued, Tom started BrenMar Construction Company in partnership with Jim Ghearing.

Tom married his sweetheart, the late Mary (Coon) Montgomery, on April 7, 1961, and they spent 54 wonderful years together. They were blessed with three children, Jeff, Todd and Jodi. Tom coached his sons Jeff and Todd from Little League Baseball through American Legion Baseball and loved watching his daughter Jodi perform as a majorette for the Wellston High School marching band. He or Mary were always in the stands for their kids’ events. Tom was the best father any young child or adult could dream of, and he was there for them anytime they needed him. In retirement, Tom and Mary shared their time between Ohio and Florida before making Florida their full-time residence in 2004.

Tom and Mary were blessed with ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren who all adored them both. Tom used the same magic trick on each generation, disappearing thousands of quarters in his arm over the years. He was the best playmate until the end, teaching them golf and baseball, playing tricks on them, singing “You are my sunshine,” or playing whatever other game they wanted to play… as long as it didn’t require him to leave his chair.

Tom loved to golf with Mary, playing several times per week in their retirement, and to travel either with or to see his family (but was also always ready to depart shortly after arriving). Tom enjoyed spending time with those he loved—his family, friends, and dogs, Precious and Lexi, who rarely left his side. Tom was a kind, genuine and wise man who taught his family to always work hard, to do the right thing, and countless other lessons through his frequently sought out advice. He was known for his sense of humor and how he made everyone feel cared for and special. Tom was a privilege to know.

Left to cherish his memory and remember his love are his children; Jeff (Tina) of Leawood, KS, Todd (Patty) of Oriental, NC, and Jodi Ousley (Tim) of Port Charlotte, FL. Grandchildren; Lindsay Gerding (Chris), Benjamin Montgomery, Ashleigh Sterr (Wes), Molliann Flynt (Russell), Kayla Montgomery, T.J. Ousley, Andy Montgomery (Miranda), Connor Montgomery (Makenzie), Spencer Montgomery, and Kathryn Montgomery. Great-Grandchildren; Tucker Ousley, Teegan Ousley, Ella Rae Flynt, Sophia Montgomery, Rosiah Flynt, Addison Sterr, Rita Kate Flynt, Mila Montgomery, Tommy Flynt, Leo Sterr, Anna Catherine Gerding, Charlie Montgomery, and Dominic Sterr. Many other family members and friends will always remember him fondly, including Tom’s special friend, Bobby Jo Harper.

There will be a visitation at McWilliams Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 11. Following visitation, a Rosary will begin at 7 p.m. In keeping with Tom’s wishes, his body was cremated.

A funeral mass will be held at the Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wellston on Monday, July 12 at 11 a.m. Inurnment will be at the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Wellston, where he will rest next to his beloved wife Mary. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorial contributions in Tom’s name be given to Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery c/o Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 227 South New York Avenue, Wellston, Ohio 45692. Tom’s funeral mass will be live streamed on Monday, July 12 starting at 11 a.m. The link for the live stream can be found at the bottom of the obituary on the McWilliams Funeral Home website. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.