Gene "Bart" Montgomery

Gene "Bart" Montgomery was born the eldest of four children to Billie Barton and Nelda Bair Montgomery on January 5, 1947. He grew up in the rural farming community of Acequia, Idaho. Following the death of his father in July of 1955, Gene assumed the role of patriarch to his younger sister (Sherry), and brother (Ricky), and on Christmas day, a baby sister (Billie Ann).

He was educated in the Minidoka County School District and graduated Minico High School in 1965. Upon graduation, Gene followed in the footsteps of many of his relatives by enlisting in the United States Navy. He served for ten years including a tour off the coast of Vietnam. During his leave in the fall of 1971, Gene's mother introduced him to Sherry Thomsen, a new teacher at Heyburn Elementary. They were married the following March of 1972.

Initially, they settled in Florida. In February 1975 in Key West, Gene and Sherry were blessed by the arrival of Bret. Gene was then transferred to Norfolk, Virginia. In June 1976 Gene and Sherry were surprised by the arrival of twin girls, Kristi and Misti, born in Portsmouth, Virginia. Upon assignment to board a naval ship for eighteen months with only a week of leave every six months Gene sent his small family home to Rupert, Idaho where they could have the support of close family. It was evident that Gene very deeply missed his family, so at the end of his eighteen month assignment, he was honorably discharged and followed his family home to Rupert. The following chapters in Gene's career included thirteen years in grocery at Safeway, Farmer Jack's, and Circle K; then several years of newspaper delivery for the Times News and South Idaho Press; ending with driving school bus for Minidoka Schools until his retirement.

Gene enjoyed traveling with Sherry post retirement. Trips he spoke fondly of included Hawaii, Alaska, and several weeks spent on the east coast of the United States. He was known to say he has visited every state except Maine. After losing Sherry in June 2010, Gene retired to their home where he enjoyed visits from family and friends as his health declined. He passed away on Memorial Day of 2017. He will be missed.

Gene is survived by his children Bret Montgomery and Cass Hart, Kristi Montgomery, and Misti Montgomery, brother Rick (Grace) Montgomery, sister Billie Ann James, and many, many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Sherry Thomsen Montgomery, parents, sisters Sherry Reese, Billie Barton Montgomery and Nelda Bair.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday June 3, 2017 at the Rupert Cemetery. Viewing for family and friends will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2017 at Hansen Mortuary. Services are under the direction of Hansen Mortuary. Online condolences may be left at hansen-mortuary.com

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Idaho Division of Veterans Services 351 Collins Road Boise, Idaho 83702.

Funeral Service Date of Service: Jun. 3, 2017