Celebration of Life gathering will be held by the family at a later date. Memorials may be offered to Hospice Foundation of America and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.
Robert was born on July 30th, 1928, the second of seven children to George and Verna (Hetherington) Montgomery, in Clinton, Missouri. He was raised in Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School in 1947. He served in the United States Army as a radio specialist and military police officer from 1949-1951 during the Korean War. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and attained the rank of sergeant. On June 26, 1953, Robert married Mary Ann Kirkwood and they had two sons, Michael (1956) and Don (1961). After leaving the Army he began a career working as a coal miner in the Clinton area. In 1968, he moved his family to Canton, Illinois where he continued to work in the coal mining industry; working for some time as the operator of the third largest electric dragline in the world. In 1986, Robert retired after 33 years and returned to his hometown of Clinton. During his retirement, he worked on various construction projects with his brother, Frank, enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. Robert was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America, was a 33 degree Mason and a Shriner, belonged to the First Christain Church in Clinton and was a member of the Elks and the American Legion. Robert was a life-long Democrat. He was very proud of his family, especially proud that both of his sons pursued professional careers after graduating from college and that all of his grandchildren followed in their footsteps.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and siblings, Emmett (Betty), Jim, Dorothy (Bob) Bradley, Martha (Jim) Keck, and Frank (Pat); his father and mother-in-law, Arthur and Ruby Kirkwood; sisters-in-law, Bonnie (Jack) McGlothlin and Betty Jo (Delton) Houtchens. He is survived by his sons, Michael (Edie) of Camdenton, MO and Don (Kathy) of Platte City, MO; grandchildren, Kevin (Michelle Lofti) Montgomery, Kelli (Nathan) Bays, Scout, and Landon; his sister, Georgie and brother-in-law Paul Ross, and sister-in-law, Luwana (Jim) Montgomery; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.
Robert was born on July 30th, 1928, the second of seven children to George and Verna (Hetherington) Montgomery, in Clinton, Missouri. He was raised in Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School in 1947. He served in the United States Army as a radio specialist and military police officer from 1949-1951 during the Korean War. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and attained the rank of sergeant. On June 26, 1953, Robert married Mary Ann Kirkwood and they had two sons, Michael (1956) and Don (1961). After leaving the Army he began a career working as a coal miner in the Clinton area. In 1968, he moved his family to Canton, Illinois where he continued to work in the coal mining industry; working for some time as the operator of the third largest electric dragline in the world. In 1986, Robert retired after 33 years and returned to his hometown of Clinton. During his retirement, he worked on various construction projects with his brother, Frank, enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. Robert was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America, was a 33 degree Mason and a Shriner, belonged to the First Christain Church in Clinton and was a member of the Elks and the American Legion. Robert was a life-long Democrat. He was very proud of his family, especially proud that both of his sons pursued professional careers after graduating from college and that all of his grandchildren followed in their footsteps.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and siblings, Emmett (Betty), Jim, Dorothy (Bob) Bradley, Martha (Jim) Keck, and Frank (Pat); his father and mother-in-law, Arthur and Ruby Kirkwood; sisters-in-law, Bonnie (Jack) McGlothlin and Betty Jo (Delton) Houtchens. He is survived by his sons, Michael (Edie) of Camdenton, MO and Don (Kathy) of Platte City, MO; grandchildren, Kevin (Michelle Lofti) Montgomery, Kelli (Nathan) Bays, Scout, and Landon; his sister, Georgie and brother-in-law Paul Ross, and sister-in-law, Luwana (Jim) Montgomery; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.
