Claude Joseph Montes

Capt. Claude Joseph Montes of Kingwood & Nacogdoches, Texas, born Dec 4, 1934, to Joe & Bessie Montes, joined his parents and other family and friends who had gone before him in heaven on February 24, 2013. Claude leaves behind the love of his life for 60 years, Jean Bailey Montes, and his children, all of Kingwood, his daughter, Pamela Davidson and her husband, Gary, his sons, Kevin Montes and wife, Donna, his sons, Dennis Montes, Randy Montes and wife, Andrea; seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Claude retired following a 37 year career as a commercial airline pilot and captain. His flying career began with a job flying for the Texas Forest Service. He eventually began flying for the airlines, first with Trans Texas Airways which became Texas International and then with Continental Airlines where he retired in 1994.

He dearly loved working on his ranch in Nacogdoches, his home away from home, raising cattle and enjoying the quiet life of living in the country. He was always the happiest when he was either spending time with his family or spending time in the piney woods of Nacogdoches.

Pallbearers are his grandsons, Eric & Chad Davidson, Bryan Montes, nephews Charles Montes & Jason VanSchoubroek, and long time friend and co-worker, Robert Hughes.

We would like to thank all of the wonderful staff at Houston Extended Care for their loving care during Claude's final year of his seven year battle with Alzheimer's. And thanks to everyone for their love, support and prayers for Claude and our family.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 in the Chapel of Kingwood Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Moral Cemetery in Nacogdoches, TX at 4:00 p.m.