Daniel Lee Montgomery

Daniel (Danny) Lee Montgomery has lost his year long battle to cancer and has gone to be with his Supreme Commander on June 22nd, 2015. Danny was born on January 17th, 1944 in Yakima to Earl and Claire (Geer) Montgomery. Danny is a 1962 graduate of Naches High School. While shooting the film "Span-o-rama" in 1959, Danny met his future wife and forever love, Jane Lewis, and on February 6th of 1965 they were married. Danny and Jane celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in February of this year. In March 1966 Danny proudly joined the Marine Corp, Okinawa being one of his tours of military service. Danny and Jane settled in Yakima where he worked at Boise Cascade. Later Danny received his CDL license and began his lifelong journey of driving big rigs. In 1969 Danny and Jane had their first daughter Dawn, and their second daughter Tracy was born in 1970. In 1975 Danny and Jane adopted a third daughter, Shawna Watson (Monasmith). Danny took a break from driving for a few years and tried his hand at working locally. Eventually he and Jane would quit their jobs and go on the open road together driving for Morgan Drive-Away where they toured the United States. Danny retired from driving for Colombia Reach in January 2014.

Danny was blessed with four grandchildren; Daniel Watrous, Nathan Watrous, Brenna Monasmith and Kolbi Monasmith, all of whom he loved dearly and enjoyed any time he could spend with them. He particularly loved to go camping and time spent with the kids and grandkids made it a perfect outing. He was recently blessed with a great grandchild, Aelycia Monasmith.

Danny was a life-long member of the Marine Corps League where he was a part of the Yakima/Kittitas Marine Corps League Color Guard as well as the Funeral Detail, and eventually rose to the rank of Washington State Junior Vice-Commandant. Dan was proud of being able to represent his beloved Marines. He was a volunteer fire fighter with the Fruitvale Fire Department where he attained the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. Danny and Jane enjoyed square dancing and performed in competitions, major local events and parades. He was also member of the Legendary Gun Fighters; his club name was "Doc Holiday". Doc and his club entertained groups all over the Northwest. Danny was close with his younger brother Darrell and together they coached Little League and spent many hours at the Yakima Speedway. He was an avid golfer and participated in numerous tournaments.

Danny is preceded in death by his parents Earl and Claire Montgomery. He is survived by his wife Jane Montgomery and their three children: Dawn (Izzy) Montgomery, Tracy (Karen) Watrous-Kelley and Shawna (Brian) Monasmith. One brother, Darrel (Becky) Montgomery, four grandchildren: Daniel Watrous, Nathan Watrous, Brenna Monasmith and Kolbi Monasmith; one great-grandchild Aelycia Monasmith, various cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Northstar and its wonderful and caring staff for their treatment of Danny. They would also like to recognize the Portland Veterans Administration Hospital and the VA in general as they supported Danny through this past year. They would also like to express their extreme gratitude to their pastor, Angus Tate, extended family both near and far, and their loving friends for the constant support and encouragement during the past year. A special thank you to Yakima Regional Hospice.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation will be Friday, June 26, 2015 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home,

with burial and Full Military Honors at West Hills Memorial Park.

To share a memory of Danny, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.