Frank Burrel Montgomery

The fourth of five children, Frank Burrel Montgomery, was born to John and Blanche Montgomery on March 31, 1934, in Drumright, Oklahoma. Frank, and his brothers: Bryant, Bob, Cleo, and John, entered life experiencing profound poverty, a depression-era, dustbowl childhood whose early years mirrored the pages of John Steinbeck's realist novel, "The Grapes of Wrath." At four years of age, his family joined the great migration west, seeking to work in the fields and farms of California. Frank's dad was a Baptist Preacher and would negotiate with the farmers and landowners for work for he and his sons during the daylight hours and then spend his evenings studying the Bible and preparing sermons. Frank and his brothers worked hard and, as they grew up, would help provide for their family and neighbors living in similar impoverished conditions. Frank and his brother, Cleo, kept the entire "holler" fed with venison during a particularly tough year because of their hunting skills. A four-letter athlete in high school, Frank had to forego college, and at the age of nineteen, he would enlist in the United States Air Force. As God would have it, following basic training, he was then stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. A buddy on base who was familiar with the area invited him to a small Church of God in South Tucson, where he would meet the young Jo Anne Swanson. Although not allowed to date for some time, and never without the simultaneous presence of her little brother, Frank and Jo Anne established a loving relationship and were eventually married on July 17, 1955. On June 12, 1958, their daughter, Kathy Jo, was born, followed a few years later by their son, Tobey. Through many overseas assignments and stations and a willingness to take on additional jobs when stateside, Frank elevated the socio-economic condition of his family into the working class. However, after experiencing the death of his daughter, twelve years of war, flying missions in-and-out of Vietnam, and having served with distinction and honor, Frank retired from the military and went into private business. Several years later, following the pressures, difficulties, and successes of starting and running several businesses, Frank finally began to slow down from a working career that started at the age of four in the fields of the California Central Valley, and he fully retired. First, to Oracle, Arizona, and then back to Corona, California. His health struggles, many of which were related to his military service, and the physical pain he endured were significant, and yet, Frank always chose joy because His hope was in Christ. He would often say to his son and family, "The LORD has been soooo good to me!" He began every holiday prayer or family gathering by thanking The Lord for His goodness. It was not a "mind over matter" sensibility, but rather a deep abiding faith born out of an authentic relationship of love and respect with His dearest friend, who happened to be The God of the Universe. Frank would often testify to the metaphors of mountain climbs and deep wells and a nail-scarred hand that would reach down and pull him to places of beholding the beauty on the heights and the magnificence of the fruitful valleys below. He loved the Andra Crouch testimonial song: "Through it all" and would sing it and other refrains that would declare, "If only you could see where Jesus brought me from to where I am today, then you would know the reason why I love him so!" Frank trusted in the Goodness of The Lord and expected His favor, regardless of the circumstances he was facing. He knew that His Savior would watch over his days, his family, and his heart. He believed that providing and caring for his family were not just physical obligations but emotional, spiritual, and relational necessities as well. Whenever someone expressed a need, Frank would try to meet it, and then he would always say, "I will have a conversation with MY FRIEND for you." On Tuesday afternoon, July 13, Frank finally met His Friend face-to-face, with no veil and no barriers. The Presence of God has always been his home, and now, it is his residence as well. On this side of eternity, the list of those who loved Frank and were held dear by him is long. He built bridges where others were reinforcing walls. His wife of sixty-six years, Jo Anne, His son, Tobey, and daughter-in-law, Robin, and his family, Joshua, Amy, Logan, and Greyson; Trisha, Jason, Jackson, Ariana, and Kaydence; Christopher, Jenny, and Faith; Michael, Jordan, and Chloe; and numerous family members who were friends and friends who are family, all have received this legacy of life to celebrate and the responsibility of Favor to uphold. All because God is so Good! Visitation Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Friday 7/23, 10:30 am - 11:30 am Service Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Friday 7/23, 11:45 am Cemetery Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA 92518 Tuesday 8/3, 12:30 pm