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

Born in his family’s farmhouse in Wabash County, Bob was the son of Deveral and Ruby (Ayres) Montel. He graduated from Laketon High School in Laketon. 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 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 front lines manning a Browning automatic rifle. He was honorably discharged in 1956 as a buck sergeant.

Bob took as his wife Linda L. Clark on Dec. 22, 1959, in Warsaw, 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 for 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 No. 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 as 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 No. 1148 and the American Legion Post No. 49. Linda and he were lifetime members and helped out with countless fish fries, bingo games, 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 box cars that were used to transport eight horses or 40 men to the front during World War I. He was a proud supporter of the Second Amendment and a member of the NRA.

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

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

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

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 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, KS 66675-8516 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family, please visit mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.