Robert L. Montgomery

Robert L. Montgomery, 86, of Minden, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at home on September 10, 2026, following a brief illness, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of the life he so lovingly built.

Born on January 11, 1940, in Baskin, Louisiana, Robert learned the value of dedication, heart, and hard work early while farming alongside his family. After graduating from Baskin High School in 1958, those foundational values shaped him into the ultimate provider—a devoted, steady, and selfless family man whose wife and daughters were always the center of his world.

Robert loved his soulmate, Katherine, from the moment they met in May 1961. They were married just a month later in June, beginning a beautiful 65-year journey of unconditional love, devotion, and shared life. As a protective, doting Daddy to his two daughters, he filled their home with warmth, safety, and joy, later beaming with pride as a loving Pawpaw to his grandson, Timothy.

A natural talent with a gentle spirit, Robert lived life with enthusiasm and rhythm. Self-taught on the guitar, he shared his gift by singing and playing with the men’s group during worship services. He cherished simple, joyous moments with his family—boating, water skiing, and spending Thanksgiving holidays around campfires at campgrounds across Louisiana in their RV. As co-manager of the local skating rink, he delighted in roller dancing, especially with his young daughters gliding alongside him. His sense of adventure led him to earn his pilot’s license, gracefully navigating the skies in his single-engine Cessna, and later finding one of his greatest passions on the open road riding motorcycles with his younger daughter, Terri, and son-in-law, Joe.

Throughout his career, Robert brought integrity, warmth, and a welcoming smile to every role he held. In the 1970s and 80s, he built lasting friendships while working at Sanitary Dairy. At the Skating Palace in the 1980s, he became a beloved father figure to generations of young people who lovingly viewed him as a mentor and guide. He was later promoted to manage the skating rink in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, before returning home to Louisiana in the mid-1980s to work the Y line at LAAP through the mid-1990s. Following the plant’s closure, he served the City of Minden with the Street Department and ultimately fulfilled his lifelong love of aviation by managing the Minden Airport until his retirement in 2002.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Katherine; his cherished daughter, Tina Montgomery; and his precious grandson, Timothy Johnson. He is also survived by a special cousin, Kathy King (TX), who honored Robert and Katherine by officiating their 50th anniversary vow renewal; Bill and Louise Rushing (LA); Dorothy Turberville (FL); and a large, loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as countless friends who were like family to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix H. and Nellie Rushing Montgomery; his brother, Lewis C. Montgomery; his sister, Joe Ann Montgomery Price; his beloved daughter, Terri Montgomery Toland; and two special sisters-in-law, Juanita Vance and Doris Pennock.

Robert’s legacy is defined by his boundless warmth, his unwavering devotion to those he cherished, and the quiet strength of a life lived for others. Though he will be missed beyond measure, his love remains a lasting comfort to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Rose-Neath Funeral Home for honorably carrying out his wishes for cremation, and to the wonderful nurses, aides, and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice for their tender care and loving kindness over the past several months.

A private family memorial to celebrate Robert's life will be held at a later date