Halbert Ives Montague

Halbert Ives Montague, 100, went to be with the Lord on March 26, 2025 in Largo, Florida. Hal was born on September 12, 1924 in Lake City Florida. Hal is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee and Sarah Loka Johnson Montague, his brothers, Robert and James Montague, his sisters, Catherine Montague Holt and Betty Montague Tracy and his wife Linda Lou Newsom Montague. Hal is survived by his son Mark (Carrie), grandchildren Matthew Montague (Michelle), Amanda Montague, Michael Montague (Jessica) and great grandchildren Madelyn and McKenna Montague and Preston Graddy-Montague and many nieces and nephews.

Hal served in the Navy from 1942-1946 and was a World War II veteran. He served on the USS Vicksburg as a gunner. After the Navy Hal attended and graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in business. After graduation Hal went to work for Norfolk Southern Railroad where he was a freight manager. While working for the railroad he met Linda when he traveled through Kentucky. They were married on May 16, 1960 in Sylvester, Georgia. They lived in Mobile and Tuscaloosa Alabama before moving to Tampa in 1969.

Hal had a love for trains, train movies, old westerns, watching Mark play baseball and he enjoyed his grandchildren. He also loved to fish with Mark in the bay and his brothers on the Suwannee River. Hal was a Christian and active in his church, Wesley United Methodist Church and Skyway Little League when Mark was growing up. Hal with be missed by his loved ones but we will cherish all the great memories.

The family will have a private service at Bay Pines VA Cemetery at a later date.