John E. Montgomery

John E. Montgomery, 82, of Dongola, formerly of Goreville, passed away at 1:45pm on Monday, March 13, 2017 at Integrity Healthcare of Anna. John was the 7th son of Homas Duco and Inez L. Albright Montgomery. He grew up on the family farm south of Marion, IL in the Neilson Community. He married Louise Turnage and they had 4 children, John Benson (deceased), Rowena June, Homas Duco “Duc” (deceased), and James Clark. John later married Sandra Batson, together they had one daughter Inez LeeAnn Montgomery (Casy) George and gained 2 more children Debby (Richard) Rushin and David (Melissa) Bierer. John was saved in 1952 and was an ordained Freewill Baptist Minister and 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. John 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) Bierer. One brother, Rev. P.L. (Betty) Montgomery, survives Paul (Peggy) Robinson and daughter-in-law Pam Montgomery, plus 3 sister-in-laws, Reba, Lorene, and Lamoya Montgomery. He was a loving grandfather to 18 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends too numerous to name. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, John and “Duc” Montgomery; sister, Helena Robinson; brothers, Ross, Glen, H.D. and Raymond Montgomery; daughter-in-law, Tracy Montgomery. The family would like to thank the staff at Integrity Healthcare of Anna for all their caring and support they showed John during his stay there, also Dr. Steven Beaty. Visitation will be from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Crain Funeral Home in Anna/Jonesboro. Funeral service for John E. Montgomery will follow the visitation at 2:00pm at the funeral home with Rev. Kenny Blumenstock and Rev. Gordon Montgomery officiating. Interment will follow at Friendship Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully ask that donations be made to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Moving for Memories team to help fight this terrible disease. Donations can be made online: act.alz.org/goto/movingformemories or mailed to Alzheimer’s Association, Courtney Finigan, Team: Moving for Memories, 320 East Walnut Street, Suite A, Carbondale, IL 62901 and will be accepted at the funeral home.

John E. Montgomery

February 1, 1935 - March 13, 2017