William "Bill" Montgomery, died on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, at Ohio State University Hospital.
Bill was born in the family farm house in Orange Township outside Bluffton, to the late Ivan and Helen (Bell) Montgomery. He is a graduate of Bluffton High and upon graduation in 1953, Bill served two years in the U.S. Army at the end of the Korean War. He was a member of the 86th Regiment's Crusader football team while serving in West Germany.
After the war, Bill went on to play football in college and received his bachelor's from Bluffton University and a master's in economics from Penn State in 1963.
He worked as a CIA economic analyst until 1969, where he then went on to work for Marathon Oil Company.
Bill was active in his community as a member of the American Legion, the McComb VFW, Post #9231 and the Disabled American Veterans, "The Buddy Chapter" #43. He was also a Rotary International member for over 20 years.
Bill was a founding member of McComb Development committee, serving two terms on the village council, organizing the McComb Rescue Squad. In 1992, Bill received the Lions Club Man of the Year Award for all hiswork to the village of McComb.
Upon retirement, Bill taught international business at both Bowling Green State University and Bluffton University.
He is survived by children: Stephanie (Steve) Jackson of Canton, Ohio, Randall (Gena) Montgomery of Apache, Oklahoma, and Robert (Kim) Montgomery of New Albany, Ohio.
Also surviving him is his wife, Sue Ellen (Crawfis) Montgomery. The couple was married for 59 years. He is survived by grandchildren: Lauren (Caleb) Jackson Smith, Samuel (Ellen) Jackson, Xeelia Jackson; Ivan Montgomery, Nova Montgomery, Solomon Montgomery; Jacob Montgomery and Jesse Montgomery, and their great-grandchildren: Helen Rose Smith, William Smith, Benny Smith, Nash Jackson, and Grant Jackson; Bill's siblings: David (Brenda) Montgomery of West Liberty, Nancy Thornton of Pandora, and sister-in-law, Linda Crawfis of Colorado, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death is Bill's sister, Joan Basinger.
All services at this time are private. A celebration of life will be held at a later appointed time by the family. All arrangements have been entrusted to Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Disabled American Veterans, Chapter #43, 606 Fishlock, Findlay, OH 45840, or donor's choice. Online condolences are welcomed.
