Raymond Eugene Montgomery

Raymond Eugene Montgomery, resident of Drumright, Oklahoma, passed from this life on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at the Shady Rest Care Center in Pryor, Oklahoma at the age of sixty-nine. Raymond was born on June 19, 1942 in Alexandria, Ohio; the son of Forrest Raymond and Myrtle Irene (Ellis) Montgomery. He moved with his family at an early age to Washington State where he was raised and received his education. Upon completion of his education, Raymond moved to Lawton, Oklahoma. On June 29, 1959 he was inducted into the service of his country in the United States Navy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Following boot camp, Raymond attended Aerographers Training A School from May 9, 1960 until August 26, 1960. Aerographerís mates are the Navyís meteorological and oceanographic experts, trained in the science of meteorology and physical oceanography. They also learn to use instruments that monitor weather characteristics such as air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction. They then distribute this date to aircraft, ships and shore activities. AGAN Montgomery was then assigned to USS Oriskany (CVA-34) for his initial sea duty tour. He was honorable discharge on July 9, 1963 and returned to civilian life at Newark, California. After his military service, Raymond accepted employment with a logging company in Northern California where he continued to work for many years. He later accepted employment as an over the road truck driver, hauling loads all over the United States. He was married to Donna Raye Balentine on September 19, 1980 in Cushing, Oklahoma. The couple remained in Cushing until 2000 when they moved to Drumright. Shortly after their marriage the couple started working as a truck driving team for several years until Raymond injured his back and was forced to retire. Donna preceded him in death on January 5, 2011. Raymondís hobbies and interests included wood working, working and tinkering on cars, driving fast and gardening. He also enjoyed cooking; making chili and hosting pig roasts. He also loved traveling, especially to the Montana Mountains. His favorite pastime, however, was spending time with his grandbabies and his family. He could often be found playing the card game, Skip Bo. Raymond was extremely proud of his country and his contributions as a veteran of the United States Navy. Survivors are his four children Patty Martin of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Theresa Sneed of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kevin Hiltzman of Cushing, Oklahoma, and Alana Montgomery of Washington; one son Micheal Montgomery; and one brother Bob Montgomery of Indiana; fourteen grandchildren and twenty one great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Donna, he was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Karen and Margaret; one brother Dave Montgomery. Graveside services will be held 2:30 pm, Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Woodland Cemetery with Larry Huff officiating under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Friends may share a memory with the family at the funeral home or online at www.chapman-black.com