Bob D. Montel

Bob D. Montel, 89, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Born in his family’s farmhouse in Wabash County, Indiana, Bob was the son of Deverl and Ruby (Ayres) Montel. He graduated from Laketon High School in Laketon, Indiana. Farming was a part of his upbringing and he still helped family and friends farm through adulthood when he was able.

He attended Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana for a few months. Hearing that his brother Larry was going to get drafted, Bob took his spot and served in the U.S. Army. He served during the Korean War fighting on the frontlines manning a Browning automatic rifle. He was Honorably Discharged in 1956 as a Buck sergeant.

Bob took as his wife, Linda L. Clark on December 22, 1959 in Warsaw, Indiana, and the couple would welcome four children.

Bob worked for R.R. Donnelley starting off as a factory worker, moving up to a supervisor. He was a facilitator of their 24/7 shipping area for their two plants. He was also a purchaser and planner to set up the catalogs for printing. Bob retired after 38 years. After retirement he drove vans for Explorer Vans. He delivered parts of the old Lakeside Chevrolet dealership, and helped set up the new parts department when they built the new Lakeside dealership.

He loved working in his huge vegetable gardens and tending to his flowers. He coached the kids in little league and enjoyed deer hunting with his boys. He played baseball for the Legion Ball #49. The family enjoyed summer vacations. Bob instilled in his children to never lie or steal, or you’d face the consequences. They said he was ornery has heck but always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye when he was joking with you.

Bob served as past Commander for the VFW Post #1148 and the American Legion Post #49. Linda and he were lifetime members and helped out with countless fish fry’s, bingos, marched in parades and other various volunteer events, both in state and out of state. Bob served on the Color Guard and the Honor Guard. He was a member of the 40/8 and served as Chef de Train, an organization that carried charitable work for veterans and children. The train symbol and 40/8 originates from the French boxcars that were used to transport 8 horses or 40 men to the front during WWI. He was a proud supporter of the Second Amendment and a member of the NRA.

He is survived by his wife Linda of 66 years and their children: Doug Montel of Syracuse, Rick Montel of Lake Tippecanoe, Lori Trier of Hoffman Lake and Mike Montel of Warsaw; 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Phyllis Price of Hobart, Indiana as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Roger, Larry, Carolyn and half-brother, Dick Sellers.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, 2290 Provident Court.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 in the funeral home with Pastor Denver Ayres officiating. Visitation will resume one hour prior.

Burial with Military Honors will be held in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Memorial contributions can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75851, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or donor’s choice.