Ernest George Montgomery

Ernest “George” Montgomery, 93, passed away after an extended illness at Greystone Healthcare in Cambridge, Wednesday, July 8. George was born July 3, 1922 in North Salem, Ohio, son of the late Samuel Craig Montgomery and Hattie Bell Montgomery. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife Mabel, and a young son, Jackie. He is survived by children, Jay (Debbie) Montgomery, Jeff (Cheryl) Montgomery, Diane Montgomery, Tammy (Jim) Head, grandchildren, Jason Montgomery, Sammy Head and sisters Ruth Montgomery Lane, and Mary Ellen Montgomery Pattison and many nieces, nephews and cousins. George graduated from Cambridge High School in 1940 where he played trumpet in the marching and concert band. He relocated to southern California where he was employed by Consolidated Aircraft and helped build B-24, “Liberator” bombers and also played in the company band. After the outbreak of World War II, he joined the army and was stationed in the South Pacific in New Guinea and the Phillippines where he was assigned to an anti-aircraft battery and also served as an army bugler. After the war he returned to Cambridge and was a member of the Cambridge City Band. He later attended Cleveland Technical Institute, receiving a certificate in Refrigeration Technology. He was formerly employed by Brills Electric and Champion Spark Plug Co. where he retired as a senior electrician. He also was a dealer of Economy Tractors from 1965 - 1978 and enjoyed gardening and tractor pulls with his tractor. George loved to fly and built his own airplane using a Volkswagen engine. He was a member of the local Experimental Aircraft Association chapter and enjoyed airshows, fly-ins and flying in old, classic airplanes. He also enjoyed railroads and had a hand built model railroad display in his basement. He also enjoyed riding in steam powered trains around the country. George was quite the woodworker and after he retired from Champion built a small wood shop in his garage. There he made many fine pieces of Furniture and cabinets for his home and relatives. He and his late wife Mabel were members of Christ United Methodist Church and were very active until a stroke affected George several years ago. Earlier in life, George was a member of a local archery club and participated in many tournaments. At the age of 60, he took up running and won several trophies, running in 5k and 10k races. For many years he owned a Honda Motorcycle and made several trips to South Dakota, Niagara Falls and the Blue Ridge Parkway riding with good friend Craig Schrimpf. He liked to hunt small game and fish with his sons Jay and Jeff. Before his stroke, five years ago he was an avid golfer and played on a local retirement league. George also liked to ride his bicycle to stay fit and spent many hours on the bike trail between Cambridge and Lore City. He will be sadly missed by all. Visitation will be on Saturday, July 11, 2015 from 2 to 4 pm with the funeral service at 4 pm at Christ United Methodist Church on North Avenue. Rev. Sturman Moore will officiate the service with burial to follow in Northwood Cemetery. George’s online tribute wall may be viewed and signed at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com.

Ernest George Montgomery

July 3, 1922 - July 8, 2015