Samuel Alfred Montague ended his journey on May 13, 2015, just shy of his 103rd birthday. His treasure and wife Marjorie was at his side. What a long and memorable trip it has been. Their marriage lasted over 70 years.
Sam was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on May 30, 1912. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}He was a devoted son to his parents, loved his children, cousin Raymond Kierr, extended family, numerous lifelong friends and all the family companion animals in his lifetime.
His career achievements are well established and can be read in various archives, including the Truman Library and Kansas City Star.
Sam had wanderlust beginning with a long road trip as a child with his mother in an early model Ford. He also made an unscripted appearance in the Mexican Pan American road race in a Mercury, snapping pictures with his camera as a photo journalist. In World War II he and Marjorie drove with friends from California to Fort Leavenworth, including their monkey, who wore a uniform with sergeants’ stripes which were removable and came off during periods of bad behavior. Lt. Col. Montague served as an aerial photographer during World War II. He was always the man with a camera, wearing a hat.
Although he won numerous awards, he was proudest of his accomplishments helping people, organizations, cities and his country. He wrote a creed, “I Believe,” which is in the Congressional Record. He was a writer and enjoyed words until the end of his life. He was generous with time and knowledge, wanting to improve the world. He believed in tikkun olam. He was a good cook, teaching his skills to Marjorie when she was a young bride. They shared a lifetime of eating well. He loved lemon meringue pie, strawberry shortcake and good old New Orleans food, including strong coffee.
His parting wisdom was to say, “What matters is that you feel good inside.”
He was grateful to everyone who gave him a helping hand throughout his life, including the University of Missouri, for letting him complete his education in the 1930s, after the LSU Reveille7 unfortunate incident. He appreciated his care from the Leavenworth V.A. home team and numerous care partners, especially Stephanie Carr and Maina Mwangi.
He is survived by his loving wife Marjorie, son Samuel Robinson Montague, daughters Teresa Montague and Lisa JoAnn Montague, grandson Eli Duncan and second cousin Alicia Stansell, who is 101. He was preceded in death by his son Richard Montague and cousin Raymond Kierr.
Donations can be made to any veteran’s organization, Kansas City Hospice, The University of Missouri or any Kansas City charity. Chances are, Sam had something to do with helping them flourish over the years. He loved Kansas City.
Services were held Sunday, May 17, at The New Reform Temple.{/mprestriction}