Robert Lee Montgomery

To know light, laughter and love was to know Robert Lee Montgomery, Sr. Better known as "Pop" or Bob to his family and friends, he made everyone and everything simply better. Pop left this world on Oct. 13, 2016 surrounded by a circle of love, laughter and light. His adoring family…his legacy.

Born on Aug. 16, 1925 in Poplar Bluff, MO to the late Jasper and Charlotte Johnson Montgomery, Pop faced many hardships and much loss during his first few decades of life. But, these experiences shaped the man he would grow to be and the life that lasted over 91 years.

Pop quietly and diligently built a life that may not ever be told in a dramatic novel or a swashbuckling film, but it was an admirable, full and dynamic life. A small town boy who grew to be a vital member of his community; a successful businessman; a church elder; a friend; a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Pop was the hero in those stories and our hearts.

Pop lost the heroine in his story on July 10, 2000—an extraordinary lady of strength, knowledge, grace, beauty and love; Betty Bradsher Montgomery; his “Frone”. This was a love affair for all ages. Married Apr. 11, 1948 in Marmaduke, AR, Pop and Frone planted a garden that lives on in Robert Lee Montgomery, Jr. and Christy Montgomery Shawan. Frone and Pop also created two other beautiful babies that left them far too young, Jasper and Charlotte Montgomery.

Two brothers, Jasper “Pete” Montgomery and William Joseph Montgomery also preceded Pop in death.

Life thrives on in the rest of Pop’s family tree. Survivors include two children, Rob and his wife, Sally; and Christy and her husband, Jeff. Five grandchildren, Dr. Christopher Montgomery and his wife, Cassandra, of Poplar Bluff; Peter Montgomery of Memphis, TN; Sarah Jane Faughn and her husband, Scott, of Ballwin, MO; Jason Montgomery and Christina Shawan of Poplar Bluff. Five great-grandchildren, Robert Lee Montgomery, III, Jake Bradsher Montgomery; Kathryn Lynn Montgomery, Amelia Jewel Faughn and August Victor Faughn.

Pop’s character and moral compass were formed through his devotion to God and his Savior, Jesus Christ. A member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Pop was also a founding member of New Life Christian Church. You could find Pop on countless Sundays helping to lead a church service, singing, smiling and lifting praise to our Creator. Daily he said, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Many people in Southeast Missouri knew Pop through his career in the clothing business – first at Montgomery & Cope and then at Bob Montgomery’s Men’s Store with his son Rob. Southeast Missouri never looked better dressed and more confident than when Bob outfitted generations of men and women. Pop also used his role as a prominent businessman and member of Masonic Lodge 209 to mentor young men and women.

A graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, Pop never stopped learning or improving himself. In fact, even into his 80s, Pop was attending many classes at Three Rivers College.

Besides his family, friends and church, Pop was a proud Cardinals fan who rarely missed a broadcast. He loved his dogs, gardening and we all admired his carpet-like lawn. He was a lover of an ice cold beer, a good pimento cheese sandwich, a strong cup of coffee, a chocolate pie and a gourmet meal lovingly prepared by master chef Frone. He supported the arts, nature and PBS and believed in standing up for the little guy. He jogged and walked and hummed day and night. Pop savored life and the small things, which was manifested by his ever present smile.

Pop’s voice and laughter will echo in our minds, and we will cherish every story told, every memory created and every moment lived. Though Pop has left us, he lives on in our hearts. You’ve done good old boy; now rest and watch over us with Frone. We’ll love you forever.

Pop’s funeral service will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 16 at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Poplar Bluff. A gathering of family, friends and former customers will be at Westwood Hills Country Club following the graveside committal service at 3:00 p.m.