Merlin Jack Montgomery

Merlin Jack Montgomery 1919 a€" 2012 OGDEN-Merlin Jack Montgomery peacefully passed away at home on June 18, 2012. He was born to John A. and Mary E. (Bessie) Holmes Montgomery, whom he dearly loved, on October 26, 1919. He was the second of six children who included: Elva, Mark, Phyllis, Lavon and Aus. He grew up on a farm in Liberty working very closely with his father. He loved ranching, horseback riding, raising heck, and being a cowboy. He had all sorts of jobs as he matured into a young man. He married Norene Shaw in August of 1942, and 10 days later was deployed to Africa. He served for 48 months in seven different campaigns including North Africa, Tunisia, Southern France and the Rhineland. He was attached to the 977th Ordnance Depot Company under General George Patton. He received the European African Middle Eastern Theater Service Ribbon, and the Good Conduct and Victory medals. After returning from the war, Merlin and Norene were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1954. They have been happily married for 69 years He worked at Hill Air Force Base, in the Optical shop, and retired after 41 years. He held many positions in the LDS Church, including serving in three bishoprics, Scout leader, Ward and Stake missionary and High Priest Group leader, among others. He loved working with the youth and serving others. He and Norene served in the Ogden Temple as temple workers for six years. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening, woodworking and tinkering in the garage. He is survived by his wife and children: Marcia (Norman) Holmes, Suzanne (Henning) Penttila, Monte (Lori) Montgomery, and Gary (Nancy) Montgomery. He has 11 grandchildren and 13 A½ great grandchildren. We will miss him dearly. Merlin had a great love for and devotion to his family, his faith and his fellow man. We wish to thank his neighbors and friends that have served and supported him and Norene over the past several months. We also thank Aspire Hospice services and Dr. Glen Biddulph for their extraordinary care. A viewing will be held on Friday, June 22, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Aaron's Mortuary, 496 24th St. Ogden, Utah, and will also be held one hour prior to the service. Funeral services are will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 11:00 am at Aaron's Mortuary. Interment will be at Liberty City Cemetery.