Burt Montgomery

William Burt Montgomery was born shortly after midnight on January 1, 1951, in Ft. Worth, TX, to Mr. and Mrs. L.G. Montgomery of Bedford, TX. He passed away on January 10, 2022, in Lubbock, Texas.  The family of Burt Montgomery will celebrate his life of 71 years at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 14, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, Lubbock.  Graveside services will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 15, 2022, in the Eastland City Cemetery.  We invite you to view the live-streamed service, sign his virtual guestbook, and download his memorial keepsake folder to your device for printing here on this page.When Burt was five, his family moved to their farm west of Abernathy where he was actively involved in their family’s farming and dairy business and developed his strong work ethic. Burt graduated from Abernathy High School in 1969 and was an active participant in FFA and football. Burt attended Tarleton State University, where he was active in the collegiate FFA, Alpha Zeta Agriculture Fraternity, and was a member of the Livestock Judging Team.During summers and holiday breaks, he worked for Southern Bleacher in Graham, TX, building football stadiums across the southwest and mid-west states. The friends he made while working there and attending Tarleton continued to be mentors and friendships he cherished throughout his life.Burt graduated from Tarleton in the summer of 1973 and began his career as an Agricultural teacher in Colorado. After one year he returned to Texas. On June 22, 1974, he married his college sweetheart, Shelley Siebert, who he had met on a blind date. They married in her hometown of Eastland, TX, and immediately moved to Henrietta, TX, to begin their careers in education. Together they impacted countless lives in five different school districts over 35 years.Burt worked as a graduate assistant at Texas Tech University while completing his master’s degree in Agricultural Education which he obtained in 1979. Upon completion, he briefly worked in the agricultural industry then returned to teaching Ag in 1981.Burt’s passion was teaching Vocational Ag, but when the future of Texas vocational programs became uncertain, he decided it was time to pursue a career in Administration. In August 1984 he began a twenty-seven-year career as a school administrator, helping usher in the new sweeping education reform laws of HB 72. He continued to take classes at Texas Tech, receiving several additional certifications.Burt was a devoted, faithful husband and father. He thoroughly loved spending time with family and particularly enjoyed family vacations with his wife and daughters taking them from coast to coast and border to border. Burt loved driving his family out of the way to see historical sites and sharing his seemingly endless knowledge of historical facts and trivia, especially about Texas. He loved everything related to agriculture but especially enjoyed spending the day on horseback, riding broncs, breaking colts, roping with friends, and loved it, even more, when his wife or daughters joined him. He was a “Girl Dad” and loved every bit of it.He enjoyed participating in chuckwagon cook-offs with his friends. Burt was a member of the Panhandle Trail Riders Association and for years cooked for their annual trail ride fundraiser, donating the proceeds to the Head Injury Foundation and Make a Wish.  Through the years Burt donated his time to serving on numerous boards and volunteering in the community. One of the boards he served on was the Lubbock Stock Show Board.During retirement he taught Hunter Education classes through Texas Parks and Wildlife, he was an Area Chief and was recently recognized for his years of volunteer work. Burt completed Lay Ministry training and up until his decline in health he served as the Lay Minister at Jayton First United Methodist Church.  He was a member of Lubbock First United Methodist Church, where he shared his time and talent teaching youth Sunday school classes, leading the 13^th Street Worship Service, and volunteering each week at the Second Helpings feeding program.Burt LOVED his family. He was an ardent supporter of his children and grandchildren in their many interests. He showed his support by attending countless activities through the years. After grandchildren arrived, he eagerly babysat whenever needed and always enjoyed time with family.Burt had a strong unwavering faith in Jesus Christ which was always a source of comfort and strength.Survivors include his wife, Shelley Montgomery; their daughters, Von (Jared) Aven, Julie (Joseph) Armstrong, and Jill Montgomery; grandchildren, Montgomery Aven, Les Aven, Palmer Armstrong, and Harbin Armstrong; mother, Jennie Montgomery; siblings, Richard (Sheree) Montgomery, Doug (Kim) Albrecht, Doyle (Tammy) Albrecht; Susie (Mike) Breitling, and Martha (Max) Huber; numerous nieces and nephews; and a brother-in-law, Mike (Sharon) Siebert.He was preceded in death by father, Leslie Montgomery; father and mother-in-law, Wendell T. and Mary Lou Siebert; sister-in-law, Becky Siebert; and a niece, Becca Siebert.