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The love he shared with them will continue to live on in their hearts.

Frederick "Fred" Montgomery was born October 16, 1949, and passed away October 1, 2026, at the age of 76.

Fred was a loving family man and a friend to countless people. Known as a connector, Fred had an uncanny knack for turning strangers into familiar faces. With a few questions, he could find a connection through someone they both knew, and the conversation would quickly turn to stories and laughter. A natural storyteller, joke teller, and prankster, Fred had a special gift for making people laugh and lived by a simple philosophy: "Always leave them laughing."

In the evenings after work, Fred enjoyed making the rounds to visit buddies. Weekends often found him on the river or in the woods, bringing two cases of beer ... one for the trip and one for when things went wrong. And if he wasn't there, he was often helping a friend with a project, lending a hand wherever it was needed ... still bringing two cases of beer.

Fred was a proud classmate of the West Orange High School Class of 1968 in Orange, Texas. He loved his classmates and cherished the friendships and memories they shared throughout the years.

Fred was a Master Mason for more than 40 years, a member of Madison Lodge No. 126, and a Shriner.

Above all, Fred loved his family. They were a very important part of his life, and the love he shared with them will continue to live on in their hearts.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara Montgomery; son, Jason Montgomery; sister, Pam Pugh; niece, Tammy Corbell and husband Nick; great nieces and nephews, Reid Fults and wife Alex, Kelsey Fults, Carlie Ford and husband Gentry, Malerie Corbell, Vincent Corbell, Jessica Garcia and husband Robert; great-great nieces and nephews, Ryan, Reece, Peyton, Emmersyn, Owen, AJ, Robert Jr., and Isabella; chosen grandchildren, Claire, Parker, Tanner, Ace, and Charlie Mae; and numerous lifetime friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Frederick Marvin Montgomery; mother, Mary Lou Massie; and niece, Sandra Schultz.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 5, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 644 State Highway 272, Deweyville, Texas. Visitation will resume at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 644 State Highway 272, Deweyville, Texas. Rev. Damon Bickham will be officiating. Interment will follow at Smith Cemetery, Starks, Louisiana.

Serving as pallbearers will be Alvin Callahan, Reid Fults, Bryan Gross, Tank Gross, Marlin McMullen, and Clint Wise. Honorary pallbearers will be Nick Corbell, Timmy Dowden, Julian Gross, and Steve Wright.