Donald Montgomery

D onald L. Montgomery, 89, died on Monday, December 7, 2020, an adored family man and community leader, was welcomed into the Lord’s arms.  Donald was born July 23, 1931 at the Maple Hurst Farm in Berwick, Kansas.

As we reflect on his life through the fog of grief and cloud of tears, we are comforted by the legacy he leaves behind. He was a tough worker and a driven man who adopted a civic-mindset throughout his many roles. He was the president of USD 441 school board, and later went on to be president of the Kansas State School Board.  Donald served as a state senator for the 21st district of Kansas for 12 years, from 1980 to 1992. He was a member of the Kansas Livestock Association for over 50 years. He was actively involved as a Shriner and always enjoyed participating in the golf tournaments.  Most importantly, he was a man of God and was a member of NorthRidge Church.

While he has many achievements we celebrate, it is his character, faith, and love for his family that we are most proud of. He taught us that roads are just rocks until you pave ‘em. He taught us to be steadfast and self-sufficient. As a devoted farmer, he taught us that you will sow seeds that may never see the light of day. Though he taught us to labor over our pursuits, he also reminded us of the latter portion of Psalm 126:5, “…reap in songs of joy.” He taught us to cling to joy and look for light in everything. Donald found everlasting joy in his true love of 67 years, Nancy. He also found joy in the little things like peanut butter pie and grandma’s fried chicken.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mae Montgomery; and siblings, Dorothy Smith Margaret Dillaplan and Ed Montgomery.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his two sons, Steve (Annie) and Kevin (Tammy);  his grandchildren, Anderson (Trisha), Nick (Ronna) , Heaven Schuette (Ryan), and Taylor (Christian); and his great-grandchildren Cole, Parker, Abby, Lilly, Hadlee, Abram, Emerson, Collin, Tanith, and McCallister.

Donald will lie in state Thursday, December 10, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha.

A Private Family Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2020. He will be laid peacefully to rest in the Albany Cemetery. And come evening, when the sun paints the sky in the west, we will stand beside him and remember his best. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sabetha Community Hospital or to the Donald L. Montgomery Memorial Fund for Sabetha High School FFA Members, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, KS 66534.