William "Bill" Walter Montgomery

William (Bill) Walter Montgomery, 80 years old of Bloomingdale, MI, passed away peacefully in his home on November 7th, 2025. Bill was born in Jackson, MI on December 20th, 1944. Not long after Bill was born, the family moved to Arkansas to be near Othy's family. Due to the poor economy, Othy and Helen brought the family back to Michigan when Bill was seven; eventually settling down in Grand Junction, MI. Bill attended Grand Junction schools from K-8th grade. He and his brother Robert went to school early in the morning, before the other kids arrived, to help stoke fires for heat on those cold days and would clean the floors when the day was complete. The extra money earned went to help pay the family bills and put food on the table. Bill came to Bloomingdale High School in 9th grade, meeting the love of his life and best friend Jannett Myers. They married July 3rd, 1964 when Bill was 19 and Jan was 17. He finished high school after they married and his oldest son, Steve, attended the graduation in 1965. Bill and Jan had 61 years of love together, with family always his priority up until the day he died - wanting to make sure his best girl (Jan) was taken care of. Bill was a family man and a hard worker. He was very much a busy-bee; working midnights for Rockwell International for 28 years and having side jobs during the day. He was fire chief of Bloomingdale for seven years, known for wearing his penny loafers to fires. He loved the outdoors, often commenting on being able to talk to God by a tree while out hunting. As an outdoorsman, his hobbies included: hunting, fishing, and trapping - the Marshall fur sale, fish frys, plowing snow in the winter, and coon skin hats. An old fashioned man where his words sealed the deal and he’d give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. With his love of nature and a greenthumb, a large garden was put in yearly, he even grew a special pumpkin patch for his youngest granddaughter’s wedding decor. Even during the last several difficult years Bill would always say “Everyday's a good day, some’s just better than others”. He was always there to help anyone in need. He impacted so many lives and will be greatly missed. Bill’s last few days were spent surrounded by those who meant the most to him. He visited with his children, his two loving granddaughters and grandson, his friends, and his siblings. He especially liked visiting with his brother, Paul, who came nearly everyday and was there to help with any outside chores Bill wanted done. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Jan; his three children, William Steven (Karina) Montgomery, Brian Scott Montgomery, and Beth Yvonne (Garland) Montgomery-Cook; six grandchildren, Vanessa (Guy), Amber (Geoff), Brandon (Bree), Steve III, Cortnie, and Kylie (Jermey); his little sweethearts, eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Ann Eiffler, Julie (Paul) Gibson, Alta Kay (Stan) Scheir, Linda Elston; and brothers, Robert Montgomery, Paul Montgomery, and sister-in-law Judy Montgomery. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Othy Flavil and Helen Julia (Trinkle) Montgomery, and parents-in-law John Myers and Roberta (Joe) Marcincavage; brother, Jim; sister, Freida Mae; grandsons, Daulton and William; brothers- in-law, John and Bert Myers; and sister-in-law, Karen Graham. Per his wishes, cremation will take place and there are no plans at this time for a memorial.

William "Bill" Walter Montgomery

December 20, 1944 - November 7, 2025