Joe R. Montgomery, age 88, of Watson, Illinois, completed his journey home on Friday, May 22, 2020 to the welcoming words of Jesus, “well done, my good and faithful servant”.

Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Montgomery

Cemetery, Oakland City, Indiana. Pastor Jim Whitaker will officiate the service. Social distancing and masks will be required. Memorials may be made to the Newton Free Methodist Church, PO Box 399, Newton, Illinois, 62448, or donor’s choice. 

Joe was born December 17, 1931 in Oakland City, Indiana, the son of Prentice Montgomery and Ida (Davis) Montgomery. He married Grace Boyer on October 12, 1954 in Oakland City, Indiana. Joe entered the US Air Force in 1950 and served his country for 20 years. In 1974, Joe answered the call to preach. His ministry with the Free Methodist Church spanned three decades serving in various churches, holding revival meetings and sharing his passion for people to know Jesus. Joe’s favorite Bible verse was Romans 8:28; “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” His favorite song was “The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago”.  Joe was blessed with a loving family and his joy was spending time with them.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Grace Montgomery; one daughter Barbara Thompson (husband David); two sons Michael Montgomery (wife Joyce), Russell Montgomery (wife Marika); seven grandchildren, Elijah, Hannah, Rebekah, Caitlin, Jonathon, Lily, Olivia; four great-grandchildren; Jack, Jonah, Norah and Opal Grace; one sister Mary Kramer (husband, Larry).

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Prentice and Ida Montgomery; three brothers and one sister.