Robert R. Montgomery

OBITUARY: Robert Royce Montgomery

Robert Royce Montgomery, 89, Topeka, died peacefully on Sun., Nov. 9, 2008, at Stormont-Vail Hospital. He was born Feb. 12, 1919, at Briggsville, AR, the son of Charles C. and Rebecca (Chambers) Montgomery.

Robert graduated from high school in Hot Springs, AR, in 1937; and from Oklahoma State University, in 1941, as an Electrical Engineer. He served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from March 1942, through January 1946, and achieved the rank of Captain. He was part of the 1102 Engineer Combat Group, European Theater of Operation, serving in England, France, Luxembourg, and Germany during World War II, and was involved in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944-45. He was employed with Santa Fe Railroad as an electrical engineer for 40 years (with timeout for the Army) and retired in 1981. His favorite pastimes were fishing and gardening. He was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church and Santa Fe Oldtimers. He was a loving husband, father, and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Robert was known for his joy for living, humor, and bringing joy to others.

Robert was married to Gloria L. Jorgensen on Sept. 7, 1947, in Topeka. She preceded him in death on Feb. 11, 2005. He was also preceded in death by a son, Joseph Royce Montgomery in 2000; 2 brothers: Clyde and Bud Montgomery; and 2 sisters: Euna Rogers and Hilda Frazier.

Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law: Nancy L. and Ron Lutz of Topeka; a sister Ruth McDugle of Memphis, TN; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Sat., Nov. 15, 2008, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence. A Fort Riley U.S. Army detail will conduct military honors at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Robert will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Fri., at the funeral chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Volunteer Services at Colmery-O'Neil VAMC, 2200 SW Gage, Topeka, KS 66622.