May God bless you and your...
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
February 15, 2019
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Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Gene Montgomery
Apr 30, 1934 - Feb 9, 2019
Guest Book
Our condolences to Genes family. He will be missed by all of his harness racing family, also.
Sam and Sandra Hodgett
February 14, 2019 | Sheffield, IL | Friend
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So sorry to hear of Genes passing. I wish I could be there with you now, but travel in this weather is not wise. Many memories of all your hard work. Deepest sympathy from Mrs. John (Marge) Tinsley and Family
Marge Tinsley
February 13, 2019 | Fredonia, KY | Friend
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Vickie, so sorry for your loss. He fought the good fight.
Marcy Cunningham-Boaz
February 11, 2019 | Charleston, IL | Friend
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Spread your wings and continue to soar, Mr. Montgomery. Surrounding your loved ones in prayer...
Until we meet, again...
Marty Mia
Marty Mia
February 11, 2019 | Palatine, IL | Acquaintance
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So sorry to hear about Gene . I first met him , I think , at Audubon Raceway ,in 1972. My first racing official job. Over the years We crossed paths at Louisville Downs , Balmoral ,and a few fairs. He always had a smile on his face ( at least for me ) and was a true gentleman . Obviously , he will be missed , but always remembered . Mike Davis
mike davis
February 11, 2019 | MYRTLE BEACH, SC | Friend
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As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Wish we could be there for you. All our love The Apples
Travis and Cindy Apple
February 11, 2019 | Phoenix, AZ | Family
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My heartfelt condolences to the entire Montgomery family. Gene was such a great guy. I always looked forward to seeing and working with him, Sylvia, Bob & Tim at the County Fairs. Gene always had a smile on his face, and he will be greatly missed. I am thinking of you all.
Stephanie Cisna Pennington
February 11, 2019 | Edwardsville, IL
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Gene was one of the nicest guys around the track. I met Gene in 1979. He would always take the time
to chat and tell stories. I would see him at all the Chicago tracks and a ton of county fairs and of
course Springfield and DuQuion. He treated everyone with kindness and respect. My he Rest in Peace.
Jeff Gillespie
February 11, 2019 | Las Vegas, NV | Friend
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Obituary
Gene's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL – Gene Montgomery, age 84 of Charleston, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held from 4 – 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL. The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 with Pastor Ray Finney officiating. Burial will follow at Mound Cemetery, Charleston, IL. It is requested that donations in his honor be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105. Gifts may be left at the visitation/service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Gene was born on April 30, 1934 in Bone Gap, Illinois to the late Robert W. and Mary (Garrison) Montgomery. He married Sylvia Braden on January 7, 1955 in Charleston, and they just celebrated 64 wonderful years of marriage. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Sylvia Montgomery of Charleston, IL; their children, Vickie (Tom) Austin of Camargo, IL, Jane (Chuck) Bell of Greenup, IL, Teresa (Ken) Montgomery of Charleston, IL, Robert Gene Montgomery, Jr. (Amanda) of Sullivan, IL, and Tim (Kristi) Montgomery of Sullivan, IL; 11 grandchildren; 12 great- grandchildren; sister, Patsy (Don) Johnson of San Bernardino, CA; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Montgomery of Ocala, FL. In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded by two brothers, Ben and Jess Montgomery; and his beloved dog, Bandit.
His love of horses led him to begin his career as a horse trainer and driver, racing in California, New York, Florida, and Maine just to name a few. He transitioned to become one of the sports premier starters and race official for over 40 years. He started races in Chicago, numerous state and county fairs, including the sport’s biggest event The Hambletonian. He was inducted into the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association Hall of Fame in 2013.
Later in life he enjoyed camping, going to festivals, and shopping while riding his scooter, sometimes a little too dangerously. He cherished holidays and attending parties with his wife Sylvia and family. Gene followed U of I athletics, but his greatest joy was attending his grandchildren’s sporting events as their biggest fan
Gene had a courageous fight with cancer and was cared for until the end by his wife Sylvia and his entire family. Gene always had a smile on his face, was a good friend to many, and a great family man, and he will be missed dearly.
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