Ralph Montgomery, 82, of Jefferson City, Mo., formerly of Jackson, passed away at Capital Region Medical Center Monday, June 25, 2007.

He was born Aug. 22, 1924, in Broken Arrow, Okla., son of Virgil William and Thelma Wilson Montgomery. On May 11, 1946, he was united in marriage to Helen Krebs Montgomery, who survives at the home.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by a son, Jim Montgomery and wife Becky of Austin, Texas; three daughters, Karen Turley and husband Wayne of Jackson, Debby Lohman and husband Bob of Jackson, Jan Smart and husband Myles of Tebbetts, Mo.; two brothers, Don Montgomery and wife Elaine, and Virgil Montgomery Jr; eight grandchildren, Rachel Jefferson of Eugene Ore., Claire Montgomery of St. Louis, Nathan Turley of Jackson, McKenzie Walter of New York, N.Y., Nick and Colby Lohman of Jackson, Kaci and Keli Smart of Tebbetts; five great-grandsons; other relatives and many dear friends.

His parents and a sister, Doris June Uhlig, preceded him in death.

Ralph graduated from Mokane High School in 1942. He was a retired banker, having served as president of Jackson Exchange Bank, Dexter National and Summit Bank in Holts Summit.

He served our country as a medic in the U.S. Navy.

He was a member of Mokane United Methodist Church, having joined the same day as his future bride in 1939, Mokane Masonic Lodge, Optimist Club of Jackson, and Missouri Bankers Association. He enjoyed reading, fishing, painting and spending time with his family.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton, Mo., with the Rev. Larry Sapp officiating. Interment will be in Steedman Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mokane United Methodist Church or to the American Lung Association, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Blvd., Fulton, Mo., 65251.

Condolences may also be sent to the family at maupinfuneralhome@yahoo.com<I>