Charles Wade Montgomery

Charles W. Montgomery passed away peacefully January 1, 2024, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. after a brief illness.

Charles and his twin sister, Lisa, were born on August 7, 1958, in Mt. Vernon, Il to Glenn E. and Lamoya Lea (Tanner) Montgomery.

Charles graduated from Marion Senior High School in 1976 and was offered a contract to play for the St. Louis Cardinals.  Charles wanted to get his college degree first and turned the Birds down.  After one semester at SIU, he transferred to Chipola Junior College in Marianna, Florida.  During his time there he led the Florida Junior College Division with a 1.00 earned run average.  Charles returned to SIU to finish his bachelor’s degree in business.

His working career was with the U.S. Prison System starting as a guard in Marion and later transferring to Homestead, Florida as a contract specialist.

Charles is survived by three children, Meghan (Kevin) Holden and grandson, Luke of O’Fallon, IL; Clinton Montgomery of Marion, IL; Ethan Montgomery of Kansas; brothers, Monty (Janet) Montgomery of Waltonville; Jerry (Beverly) Montgomery of Bonnie; sister, Lisa (Steve) Clendenin of Marion; four nieces and four nephews and a boat load of great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and infant son, Jacob Daniel Montgomery.

Charles was a believer serving as a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Homestead, Fl. He also volunteered to hold church services in the prison system and in the nursing home while in Florida.  Most of all, Charles loved his children and his grandson and was very proud of their accomplishments.

Binkley-Ross Funeral Home has been entrusted with service arrangements.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 11:00-1:00 PM at First Baptist Church located at 401 West Union Street, Marion, IL. A celebration of his life will begin at 1:00 PM with Jerry Montgomery officiating. Private interment to follow at Egyptian Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum in Energy, IL.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be directed to the Marion Ministerial Alliance or Haven House. Envelopes will be available at the service. Visit www.binkleyross.com to leave online condolences.