SESSER – Donald “Lil Doggie” Gene Montgomery, 78, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday February 18, 2024, at his home.

He was born on August 12, 1945, in Sesser to Lester and Oma (Weatherly) Montgomery. He married Diane (Loman) Montgomery on August 7, 1964, in Whittington and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his sons Mark Montgomery of Sesser, Russell (Stephanie) Montgomery of Sesser and Randy (Julie) Montgomery of Christopher; grandchildren Derrik (Kimberlee) Montgomery of Sesser, Morgan (Carson) Montgomery of Marion, Olivia (Matthew) Robertson of Benton, Courtney Hubbard of Christopher, Jeremy (Felicia) Johnson of West City, Faith (Danny) Smith of South Carolina, Jordan Johnson of Texas and Lance Johnson of Sesser; great-grandchildren Oliver Montgomery, Bella Johnson, Jasper Johnson and Sutton Smith; one sister Joyce Dunovan of Springfield, IL, and one brother Ronnie Montgomery of South Carolina, and several nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Nancy and Doug Linn, Marsha and Allen Willford, Michael Loman, and Jerry Loman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Doris Newberry, and three brothers Jimmy Montgomery, Frank Montgomery and Wayne Montgomery.

Donald was retired from Old Ben Coal #26 and was a farmer. He loved to talk and tell stories and also loved to drive around Rend Lake after church. He was a member of the Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church in Sesser.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Curtis Smith and Brother Randy Cash officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.