Frederick "Fred" Montgomery

Opelousas - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Frederick "Fred" Charles Montgomery at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 2, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Washington, LA.  Fr. Matthew Higginbotham will celebrate the Mass.  Rite of Committal and burial will follow in the St. John Catholic Church Cemetery in Melville, LA.  Readers will be Patrice Montgomery and Elaine Richard.  Gift bearers will be Abby Montgomery, Bennett Trahan and Addi Brown.

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Frederick "Fred" Charles Montgomery, age 55, on Friday, June 25, 2021, at his home in Melville surrounded by his loving family.

Fred was a truck driver for over 37 years.  He loved being outdoors, duck hunting, working on his duck blind, deer hunting, tending to his flower baskets and gardening.  Fred was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed traveling to the Talladega Superspeedway.

Fred had a heart of gold, loved meeting new people, and did not know a stranger. He gave hugs that were contagious and came straight from his heart. Fred was so full of life. He loved making jokes, a true comedian. He also had a story for every aspect of his life and was wise beyond his years. He loved sharing his advice with anyone that was eager to listen, and most of all he never forgot to say he loved you after a visit. He loved his family more than anything; especially his grandchildren. Fred will be incredibly missed by all who knew him and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Melissa "Missy" Pitre Montgomery; his son, Fredrick Charles Montgomery, II and wife, Courtney of Melville; his daughter, Lauren Ellie Montgomery and fiancé, Isaias Ruiz of Lafayette;  his brothers, James Daniel "Dan" Montgomery and wife, Sue of Opelousas; Leonard Edward "Eddie" Montgomery of Leonville; and Donald Montgomery and wife, Barbara of Prairie Ronde; his sisters, Elaine Richard and husband, Joe of Grand Prairie; Nancy Bridges and husband, Clark of Opelousas; and Paula Deranger and husband, Paul of Grand Prairie; and his sisters-in-law, Patrice Montgomery of Opelousas; and Janet Montgomery of Texas.  He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Abby Montgomery, Fredrick Charles "Tre'" Montgomery, III, Emma Rhodes, Karter Ruiz, Blayke Carrol and soon to be granddaughter, Sophia Kate Ruiz; two Godchildren, Aimee Adams of Texas and Charles "Brother" Lee, Jr. of Grand Prairie; his father-in-law, Gene N. Jones of Melville; his brother-in-law, Norman Glenn Pitre, Jr. of Melville; his sister-in-law, Racheal Mouret and husband, Joey of Opelousas; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William "Bubba" Jefferson Montgomery, Jr. and Vela Mae Soileau Montgomery; his brothers, Richard K. Montgomery, William Jefferson "Bill" Montgomery, III; his grandson, Fisher Cade Montgomery; his nephews, Tracy Scott Richard and Sgt. Joseph Avie Richard, III; his grandparents, William J. Montgomery, Sr. and Lois Rice Montgomery and Leonard Edward Soileau and Nancy Alice Soileau; his father-in-law,  Norman Glenn Pitre, Sr. and his mother-in-law, Elda Moreau Pitre Jones.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas.  A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m.  The funeral home will re-open on Friday, July 2, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Fredrick Montgomery, II, Coby Ducote, Cole Lane, Tucker Collins, Jeffery Montgomery and Stephen Montgomery.  Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Montgomery, Eddie Montgomery, Donnie Montgomery, Roy Harrington, Keith Rodriguez, Kirt Rodriguez, Michael Casse, Derek (Spanky) Stelly, Fredrick (Tre') Montgomery, III, Ricky Hebert, III, Jacob Mouret, Daren (Lil Man) Johnson, Alden Casse and Gabriel Harrington.

The family would like to thank Rhonda Bergeron and staff at Acadiana Practitioner, Dr. LaLan and staff at Opelousas Neurology, ALS Clinic in New Orleans, La., Terry Mengarelli and staff at Southern Pharmacy, Michelle Hayward at Quality Care Providers, his caregivers, Leah Kimble and Gina Barker, Katherine Pickens and Brittney Dupre with Med Express.  A special thank you to Dr. Kevin Fox, Sharon Stelly, Roy and Julie Harrington and Shira Harrington.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.