Roy Austin "Monty" Cantler

1945 - 2025

Age 80, Roy Austin Cantler, also known as Monty, peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 26, 2025, free from the pain and confusion of dementia.

Born on April 25, 1945, in Yateley, England, he was the only child of the late Roy Evans Cantler and Ivy Francis Hudson Cantler. He was preceded in death by his grandsons, Austin Evans Hall and James Ray Jenkins Jr.; his sister-in-law, Nancy Fields Grier; and his brother-in-law, Robin Eggers.

Cherishing his memory are his devoted wife and soulmate of 38 years, Chris; his beloved four-legged baby girl, Nikki; daughter, Kimberly Cantler Jenkins and her fiancé Scott Patterson; grandchildren, Thomas Jenkins, Andrew Sadler, and Emma Jo Patterson; great-granddaughter, Nova Ray Jenkins; sisters-in-law, Della Fields Smith (Glenn), Donna Jones (John), Renee Simmons (Bill), and Vanessa Eggers; as well as four nephews, four nieces, eight great-nephews, and one great-niece.

Roy's life was marked by creativity, passion, and skill. For 45 years, he worked at McDaniel Yacht Basin as a master yacht refinisher, with his craftsmanship displayed on vessels from Maine to the Bahamas. A gifted drummer, he began playing professionally at age 12 and spent a lifetime making music and forging lifelong friendships with his bandmates. Roy was also a professional photographer, capturing weddings, anniversaries, and countless special moments. His outdoor photography was showcased at the Milburn Stone Theatre in the late 1990s, and he shared his knowledge as an instructor at Cecil Community College. In addition, he was a dedicated fisherman and an award-winning member of several bass fishing clubs.

Chris is especially grateful to Della Fields-Smith and Aunt Donna Muncy for their tender and compassionate care in Roy's final days, as well as to Heather and Mattie of Amedisys Hospice, Tiana and Tylar Webster, and the staff of All About Me Adult Day Program for their loving support.

Friends and family are welcome to gather at Crouch Funeral Home, 127 South Main Street, North East, MD, on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a visitation. A Graveside service for Roy will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM at North East Methodist Cemetery, North East, MD. Interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Amedisys Hospice.

For condolences, please visit www,crouchfuneralhome.com.