Aurel Montgomery

Aurel W. Montgomery, 77, of Sabetha died July 18, 2008 at a Topeka Hospital. Aurel was born on October 16, 1930 on the family farm to Robert Montgomery and Ione Trees Montgomery. Aurel attended Excelsior country school for 6 years, Sabetha Junior High School and Sabetha High School and attending one year at Kansas State University. He served in the Korean War for 2 years, with the rank of sergeant. Aurels' military service recognition included Army Commendation, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Korean Service and Bronze Star Attachment and the United Nation Service.

Aurel was united in marriage to Jeanette Mogler of Whittemore, Iowa and was married at the Algona Iowa Methodist Church on April 28, 1957. They farmed northwest of Sabetha, till their retirement, but remained greatly interest and involved in all farm processes. He took lots of pride in his workmanship, it just had to be done right: fencing, land work and mechanical work other wise known as C.I. A. (Contriveance Inovative Alteration). He rebuilt 4 2 cylinder John Deer tractors with help of his sons. He had favorite sayings: When you start a job, you finish it! Always do a job as best as you can... (he wanted a fence-line to look straight, that you could eye ball down the line and you could only see one post.) Aurel loved to travel- camp style with his family and Aurel and Jeanette enjoyed month long trips with a pop up camper to Oregon and Washington, Mackinaw Island and Nova Scotia and Canada on bus trips. Aurel loved to wear red shirts that also looked good on him.

Aurel was involved at his church, the Sabetha First United Methodist Church.

Aurel was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ivan Montgomery.

Aurel is survived by his wife, Jeanette of the home; a daughter, Susan Montgomery-Hodge and her husband, Bill of Earl Lupton, Colorado; twin sons, Brent Montgomery and Bruce Montgomery both of Sabetha and Terry Montgomery and his wife, Beverly of Sabetha; a sister, Ruth Hankins and her husband, Dick of Raytown, Missouri; a brother, Carol Montgomery and his wife, Clara of Loveland, Colorado and sister-in-law, Mary Montgomery of Sabetha and three grandsons, Daniel Montgomery, Alex Montgomery and Ryan Montgomery of Sabetha and many nieces and nephews.


Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 2:30 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church in Sabetha. A family visitation will be on Monday evening 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha. The interment will be made in the Albany Cemetery. Memorial contribution may be made to the First United Methodist Church sent in care of the funeral home