David Devon Montgomery

David Devon Montgomery, 92, passed away Sunday, October 7, 2018. He was born October 21, 1925 to Rutherford P. and Eunice (Grimmett) Montgomery in LaCrosse, AR. David's father passed when he was five years old. He was raised by his mother, uncle, and grandparents. He farmed using a mule team and raised livestock. He picked a clean bag of cotton! To care for his family, David worked jobs off the farm including orchards in WA and on a dredge barge on the MO river eventually ending up in Wichita, KS, with Boeing Aircraft Company. He was a 67 year member of the Masonic Lodge, Shrine and a member of the VFW. He served in WWII in the 63rd Infantry 255th Division Company E as a BAR man. David served with distinction at the Battle of the Bulge earning a Bronze and Silver Star and a Combat Infantryman's Badge - "I didn't do anymore than any combat infantryman would do. IT WAS HELL". David took pride in his work, family and friends. He enjoyed gardening, mowing his lawn and listening to country music. He saw much of the country as an avid RV'er. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, JenneaV (Pitney) Wren. David is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty; children, Jimmy "Jim Bob" (Cindy), and Jennie Montgomery; grandchildren, Daniel Schmidt and David R. Montgomery; niece Leetha Wren; and beloved cat and friend, Ariel. Visitation: Tuesday, October 9, 2018, from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Funeral Service: 10:00 am, Wednesday, October 10, 2018. Both will be held at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, KS 67037. Interment to follow at El Paso Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Mercy Fund, 130 N. Topeka, Wichita, KS 67202.