Dennis Roy Montgomery

Surrounded by his beloved family, Dennis Roy Montgomery, 75, of Orange, passed away at Harbor Hospital in Beaumont, following a heart operation. Dennis was born on June 8, 1936, in Tunnelton, West Virginia, the only child of Maxie and Roy Montgomery.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. Throughout his career, he worked in chemical plants in Akron OH, Institute, WV, and Orange, retiring from Bayer in 1998.

After retirement, Dennis had time to work on his various hobbies, including reading, writing, cooking, art, photography, genealogy, and history.

His passion for photography led him to build a dark room at home where he developed his own photographs.

He shared his eye for art and photography with his grandchildren.

Dennis’ numerous accomplishments include publishing articles in professional magazines, creating and sharing a family genealogy book, writing a book on historical buildings in his hometown, and he was in the process of writing a book on the history of coal mining in his county of birth.

Dennis enjoyed sharing his love of reading, especially of philosophical ideas with his children and grandchildren, causing some heated discussions!

Most people who knew Dennis knew certain things about him. Things like he loved a good joke---or even a bad one! Dennis enjoyed cooking for his family. His homemade bread, chocolate cake, sweet sauce meatloaf and many other dishes made the family flock to the table.

Dennis was a strong, caring man who wasn’t afraid of much. One of the things he wasn’t afraid of was speaking his mind. Although he cared about others, he never hesitated to offer anyone his opinion, whether they liked it or not; however, he was willing to listen when opinions were different from his own.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Matthew Rivette.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Montgomery, his children, Denise Moody of Orange, David Montgomery and wife, Lea, of Magnolia, Brian Montgomery of Round Rock, Susan Rivette of Orange, Kristan McBride and husband, Norman, of Longview; and his grandchildren: Katrina Rivette, Nicole Moody, Brittany and Branden Montgomery, and Kirsten, Nathan, and Andrew McBride.

A private funeral mass was held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Community Friday, June 29^,with Fr. Tom Phelan officiating. Burial will be at a family cemetery in West Virginia.

The family wishes to thank all those who offered prayers for Dennis and to the many caring staff persons at Harbor Hospital.

If desired, donations may be made in Dennis’ memory to the Bridge City Public Library Building Fund.

We already miss you Popi. The world has lost a funny, strong, wise and caring man.