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John Deforest Obituary
JOHN (MONTY) DEFOREST MONTGOMERY FEB 2, 1920 - APRIL 21, 2005 Monty peacefully left our world on Thursday, April 21, 2005 at the age of 85. John was born in Deer Lodge, Montana. While growing up in Elko, NV, John was very active in the Boy Scouts and earned the highest rank possible of Eagle Scout. In 1940, John enlisted in the Marine Corps and participated in the research and development of amphibious assault vehicles that later proved vital in securing beachheads during WWII. During his serice for our country he was wounded in combat three times and received two Purple Hearts. In addition, he was awarded the Bronze Star for a recue mission into enemy held territory. His unit was awarded four presidential citations.
After the war John attended Stanford University where he earned his Bachelors degree. Upon graduation he served as a Staff Officer in the Merchant Marines. He later settled in Modesto where he met his wife of thirty-two years, Lillian A. Telles. The proudest achievement of his life came as being a family man. His love for his family was only second to his love for God. He served as a spiritual and moral leader to anyone in need and was a proud friend of Bill W. He will be dearly missed.
His memorial will be held at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Friday, April 29 at 11:00 a.m. Donations in his honor may be made to Emanuel Hospice or the Marine Corps League of Modesto.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Deforest
4 Entries
JDM
April 22, 2025
I can't believe its already been 20 years since you've been gone. Sure miss you and really enjoy when you visit me in my dreams. Since mom joined you it feels strange that I'm the only one that carries so many of the memories of our time together. See you again one day dad.
Jim Fine
April 28, 2005
John was my mentor and my hero.
Jim Fine
Commandant
Modesto Marine Corps League
Roseann Brown
April 27, 2005
Monty blessed my life by his sharing at our Wednesday AFG meetings. He will be missed. I'm sure Monty was greeted at the gates of heaven with the words, "well done my good and faithful servant." I'll be praying for your family. God bless!
Karen DeMichelis
April 24, 2005
On behalf of the John A Demichelis Family, we send our condolences in this time of sorrow. God Bless.
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