Richard (Dick) Sheldon Montgomery, 84, of Plainwell, died Tuesday, Nov. 21. He was a 1951 graduate of Hopkins High School.
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 served in the United States Army, returning to working at the Paper Mill in 1955 until his retirement.
Dick was a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and enjoyed spending time going to car shows, woodworking, gardening with his tractor and camping – especially at Shipshewana. Dick’s life mainly revolved around his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
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; 2 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; a brother, Bill Jr.; and two grandsons.
The funeral was Friday morning at Immanuel Lutheran Church (631 Grand Street) in Allegan, with Pastor Daniel Ward officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Wings of Hope Hospice. Interment was at Poplar Hill Cemetery, Monterey Township.
