Jon Brent Montgomery, 75

Published 4:57 pm Thursday, November 29, 2012

MATHEWS, November 29 – Jon Brent Montgomery, 75, died on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at his brother's home in Mathews. He was a native of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and long-term Appomattox resident.

After serving four years in the US Navy, he attended Highlands College in Las Vegas, New Mexico and graduated with a degree in History. Shortly thereafter, he began working for the National Park Service and continued to do so for the next 34 years. During his career with the Park Service he lived in NM, AZ, MN, TN, NY, PA, and VA, working as a park ranger, historical interpreter, and park superintendent. He moved to Appomattox with his family in 1981 to become superintendent of the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park where he continued to work until his retirement in 1997.

While living and working in Appomattox, Mr. Montgomery helped raise his two sons and was active with ACHS athletics, Community Theater, singing in the church choir, the local Lions Club, and the Lynchburg Civil War Roundtable.

Once retired, he became more active in his church and volunteered regularly for numerous community organizations, most notably the Appomattox Chamber of Commerce, where he helped facilitate the Friday night 'Cheers' events.

In June of 2011 he moved from Appomattox to Mathews to be closer to his brother David Montgomery.

One of his most memorable traits was his love and compassion for animals.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, David and Mildred; son, Matthew (Andrea) and grandsons, Baxter and Marcus of Starksboro, Vermont and son, Roger Allen (Wende) and grandson, Jackson of Forest.

A brief memorial service to honor his life will be held at 11 a.m. December 22 at the Appomattox Courthouse Presbyterian Church in Appomattox.

Any memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Appomattox Presbyterian Church Choir, PO Box 85, Appomattox, VA 24522 or the Appomattox County Animal Shelter PO Box 863, Appomattox VA 24522.