John Bell Montgomery

1927 - 2016

John passed away January 4, 2016 to be with the Lord & reunite with his wife of over 50 years, Toni. He was born on January 20, 1927 in Breckenridge, Texas to Robert Ray & Ada J. His family made the journey to California during the dustbowl era.

He was preceded in death by his wife Toni, son Robert (Cord), brother Ray, & parents Robert Ray & Ada. He is survived by three children: Johnny Ray & wife Ann, daughter Robbie & fiance` Roger, son Mike & wife Leta. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, his sister Caroline, & nephew Robert & wife Ronda.

Dad had many jobs & accomplishments in his lifetime. He was a MP in the Army & guarded the Atom bomb in New Mexico during WWII. He was also a master barber, potato swamper, oil field worker (40 years), & he helped run the family bar & cafe. He was a 32nd degree Mason. In 1974 he worked on a top secret mission- the Hughes Glomar Explorer. The Explorer was a ship disguised as an offshore drilling rig & its mission was to raise a sunken Russian nuclear submarine. Dad was the crane operator that lowered the concrete tomb that housed the Russian sailors in their final resting spot at sea.

The family would like to give a special thanks to his nurse Carrie for caring for Dad the last 5 years. Also, we would like to thank Dad's grandson Johnny Ray for helping him for the past 8 years. You were with him everyday. Not only were you his caretaker & nurse, but you were his best buddy.

A celebration of John's life will be held at Hope Christian Center, 201 E Brundage Ln in Bakersfield on Tuesday, January 19th at 11am. Reception to follow immediately after.