Benjamin Lawrence Montoya, 92, of Poteau, OK
passed away Sunday, March 3, 2013 in Poteau.
Ben was born February 6, 1921 in Colorado
Springs, CO, the 7th
son of Thomas Daniel & Mary Louisa (Gutierrez) Montoya. He was preceded in death by his parents and his
brothers. As an infant Ben moved to Ventura, CA
where he attended grade school, high school and college. During WWII he worked in the CCC and in an
airplane factory in Los Angeles. There he met and married Wilma Gardenia
Sparks in 1945. To this marriage was
born two children, Mary Amelia and Benjamin Lawrence Jr. Wilma preceded Ben in death in 1960. In 1966 Ben met and married Shirley Rae
Morgan. Shirley came into this marriage
with two children, Zenda Diane & Carlton Ray. Ben adopted and loved them as his own. Ben retired from Meade Containers in Ft.
Smith, AR. HE also spent most of his life serving as a
minister in the Church
of Christ. He served the Heavener Church of Christ for
20 years.
Ben leaves behind his wife Shirley of the home; daughters,
Mary Amelia Waddell and husband John of Curryville, MO, Zenda Adams of Poteau, OK
and two sons, Benjamin Lawrence and wife Dani of Poteau and Carlton of
Poteau. He leaves 5 grandchildren and 13
great grandchildren. Ben loved his
family, traveling and serving his savior.
He was loved and respected by brothers-in-law, sisters in law, nieces,
nephews and many friends. He will be
greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held 2 pm, Wednesday, March 6,
2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau with brother in law, Franklin Morgan
of Greenville, TX officiating, assisted by Bro. Don Cherry.
In lieu of flowers donations may
be made to the Maverick Nixon Benefit at the Poteau Church of Christ.
3 comments:
Dear Shirley and family,Not sure you will remember me, My sister was Deborah Kennedy and my dad is Cal Kennedy. When daddy saw that Ben had passed he said, " He was a very dear friend." Our family is thinking of and praying for you and yours, Sincerely, Janet Kennedy Brown
Condolences to Shirley and all the family. Knew Brother Ben thru the Charleston Church of Christ, where he preached for several years. A very kind and gentle man who loved the Lord. Sympathy to all. God bless you all.
Carolyn (Brown) Bowen
Lavaca, Arkansas
Ben was an all around great guy. I will never forget how well he and the church looked out for my grandparents and was always there for them. I will always remember standing up there beside him when I was no more than 5 or 6 years helping him lead singing. Those are precious memories that will always be held dear to me. Now Ben isnt suffering anymore and is up in heaven rejoicing being with the Lord and seeing many family and friends that went before him.
God Bless,
Dylan Roberts
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