Clarence F Montgomery, (Carnie), 97 years, of rural Montpelier, passed away Tuesday September 4, 2012, in his home with his family by his side, under the care of Hospice of Williams County.
Carnie was born July 14, 1915, in Montpelier, the son of the late Arthur and Helen (Vance) Montgomery. He was a 1933 graduate of Montpelier High School.
He married Violet Irene Churchman on August 17, 1940 and she survives.
Carnie, or Monty, as he was known by his fellow railroaders, started work on the Wabash Railroad in 1938 as a call boy and was later promoted to the position of conductor where he enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone. He spent 40 years working on the railroad and had many wonderful stories to share about his numerous adventures.
Carnie never met a stranger and was always offering a helping hand to anyone in need.
Following retirement from the railroad, Carnie and his wife moved to Roswell, New Mexico where they resided for 17 years until they moved back to Montpelier to be closer to friends and family.
Clarence was a member of the Montpelier Church of Christ, the Williams County Sheriff’s Posse, the Williams County Historical Society and the Montpelier Trackside Modelers and the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. While in New Mexico, he was a member of the Roswell Historical Society and Roswell Model Railroad Club.
Surviving in addition to his beloved wife are his brother, James (Gerry) of Sturgis, MI, daughter Julie Kay Foulk of Montpelier, two sons, Jeffrey Lynn of Bryan and Jody Vance (Janis) of Montpelier. Also his grandchildren, Jennifer (Brice) Koning of West Lafayette, IN, Jana (Tyson) Horton of Montpelier, Joel (Grace) Montgomery of Maraga, California. He is also survived by 6 great grandchildren, Kira and Alison Dietz of West Lafayette, IN, Kayleigh, Gabriele and Isaiah Horton of Montpelier and Atlas Montgomery of Maraga, California. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by his brothers Cedric, William and Robert and sisters Velma (Big) Caldwell and Thelma (Little) Grime.
A memorial service to celebrate the wonderful life of Clarence will be held Monday, September 10, 2012 at 11 am in the chapel of the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan with services conducted by his nephew Scott Wade. The family will receive friends from 10 am until the time of the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer any memorials be made to the restoration of the caboose 2745 owned by the Williams County Historical Society of which he had been instrumental in maintaining many years ago.
The Thompson Funeral Home in Montpelier has been entrusted with Clarence’s arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family or to thethompsonfuneralhome.com.