Gerald M. Montgomery 80 of Fair Grove, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning at Jacobs Care Facility with his family by his side. He was born in Salem, MO on July 21, 1941 to Elvie Clinton Montgomery and Cleo Edith (Ward) Montgomery. At the age of seven the family moved to Cabool, Missouri after his fathers death where he would later attend high school. In 1959 he left high school and spent a few years working odd jobs. In February 1963 he enlisted in the Air Force and served time overseas at Wheelus Air Force Base in Libya, North Africa during the Vietnam War. In his free time, he played in a band at the Non-Commissioned Officer’s Club and would also earn his GED before being honorably discharged in 1967.

In September, 1968, he met his future wife, Margaret Olson, and the two were married in the First Lutheran Church in Sarcoxie, Missouri on October 24, 1970. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Southwest Missouri State University in December 1974. He worked for the Planning Commission in West Plains and would continue his career in City Planning at the City of Springfield where he later retired in 2010.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father Cleo and Elvie Montgomery, sister JoAnn Harral, brother Jack Montgomery and wife Margaret Montgomery. He is survived by his three children, Christopher Collins and his wife Carrie of Willard, Missouri, Jeremy Clinton and his wife, Laura of Bolivar, Missouri, and Megan Elizabeth and Joe Whitworth of Republic, Missouri. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Mia Jean, Ethan Christopher, Jarrett Montgomery, Olivia Renee, Mason Alexander, and Collin Franklin; brother Eric Ward and wife Debbie, sister Betty Throckmorton, sister Shirley Kittrell and husband Don. He is further survived by sister-in-law Barbara Kelley and husband Randy and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Gerald had a great passion for music. He played guitar and sang most of his life until he was unable. He also had a great love for his “Grandbabies”, attending their activities every chance he could. He was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church in Cabool and later joined the Lutheran Church along with his wife after their marriage. Hunting, fishing, and camping were all favorite hobbies as long as he was with this family. He and his wife traveled extensively across the country visiting locations associated with their family’s ancestry. He loved spending time with his “advisor and guiding light” until she passed in September 2008.

Special thanks to Camelia Jacobs and staff of Jacob’s Care.
Seasons Hospice staff, nurses and administration. Dr Ovais Zubair and Staff of Cox Senior Health. Faith Connections and Staff in Bolivar, MO

Visitation will be held on Saturday February 19, 2022 at 1:00 in the afternoon at Springhill Baptist Church at 7370 N Farm Rd 159 Springfield, MO 65803 with Funeral Service to follow at 2:00. Burial to follow for family at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Fair Grove, MO across from his family’s home of 40 years.

Jerry’s family express their deepest appreciation to family and friends for the many comforting messages of sympathy, prayers, food and all other acts of kindness.