Paul Medford Montgomery passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior on January 10, 2026, at 87 years old. He was born October 22, 1938, to parents Claude and Vida Montgomery at their family farmhouse in West Plains, Missouri, where he grew up with siblings Betty, Clifford, David, and Patty.
He met and then married his late wife, Anita, at Victoria Mission Church on October 24, 1959, and they had 40 beautiful years of marriage together. Following in the legacy of his father, Paul was called to ministry and became an ordained pastor and evangelist under the Church of God and Assemblies of God denominations. He and Anita traveled together, singing and preaching at revivals across the country, and pastored local churches in Kentucky, Arizona, and Missouri. With their two children, Paula and Shaun, they had a gospel group called the Singing Montgomerys who ministered at churches and revivals.
When he retired from full-time ministry, Paul opened Cactus Boot Repair, having trained at the West Plains shoe factory in his earlier years. He specialized in leatherwork, including boots, saddles, and purses. While in Tucson, Arizona, he even made a pair of knee-high boots that were worn in The Gambler: The Adventure Continues (starring Kenny Rogers), which was filmed in Old Tucson.
Paul was an army veteran and, in his later years, served in the West Plains Honor Guard.
In June 2000, he married his wife, Thelma, adding adult children and grandchildren to his family. Together, Paul and Thelma enjoyed traveling to Branson and running their business, Montgomery DJ Services, providing music for local weddings, parties, and Elvis impersonator shows. They had over 25 sweet years of adventures and travels together.
Paul never met a stranger and loved talking to people. His phone was always ringing with friends and customers alike, and he’d answer, “Yello!” If he wasn’t fixing boots at his in-home shop or serving at church, he was probably having a sundae at Dairy Queen.
He attended Victoria Mission Church, where he was the associate pastor and played drums for worship (always wearing a western shirt and cowboy boots, of course!). In all, Paul served over 56 years in ministry. He loved the Lord with all his heart and served Him his whole life.
He is survived by his wife (Thelma Willard Montgomery), his children (Paula Tellefsen and Shaun Montgomery), his brother (David Montgomery), his grandchildren (Shea French and Paul Tellefsen), his extended Willard family (son Eugene Willard and grandchildren Blake Willard, Kyle Willard, and Timber Adams), and many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 10:00am, Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in West Plains, Missouri.
Visitation will be 6-7pm, Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the funeral home.
Burial will be at Elk Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
January 11, 2026 @ 2:11 pm
prayers and thoughts for the family
January 12, 2026 @ 11:08 am
Bro. Paul was such a kind gentleman to everyone he knew and John and I felt privileged to have known him. He was so very faithful to Victoria Mission Church and always was there unless sickness which was practically never. He played drums and was very good at it. We will miss him so very much. He was a faithful saint of God and his reward is in heaven. We will forever think of you and miss you always
January 11, 2026 @ 3:13 pm
Sorry to hear about the passing of my old friend and cousin. Condolences to the family.
January 11, 2026 @ 5:11 pm
To the Montgomery Families, My parents, Norris & Ivene Cozort, extend their Deepest Sympathy to all of you on the passing of Paul. They will be keeping each of you in their daily prayers and thoughts. Daily may God provide comfort, peace, encouragement, and strength. May God bless all of you. In Christian Love, Norris & Ivene Cozort
January 12, 2026 @ 5:52 am
Paul will be truly missed. When you met Paul he wasn’t fake, he was just as you met him. He was a man of integrity and knowledgeable in the Word of God, he loved the Lord Jesus Christ. There’s no doubt in my mind that he is talking with friends and family members who have gone on before him in Heaven and Paul is being greeted by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We’ll see you in the sweet by and by Paul.
January 12, 2026 @ 11:41 am
We are so very sad to say goodbye but we are glad to have met Bro Paul and worshipped with him and Thelma for many years at Victoria mission. Always faithful and such a blessing to help in any way. We will miss them always but knowing “precious in the site of the Lord is the death of a saint”! You were very precious friend and we will forever miss you
January 12, 2026 @ 11:47 am
So sad for the departure of Bro Paul. You now have a change of address to Heaven with Jesus We will always miss you dear brother at Victoria mission church. Bro Paul encouraged everyone always and was so faithful he and Mrs Thelma were so much help and above all friends to us. It was just pure joy to have the acquaintance with Bro Paul and Thelma. We say farewell. Thank you Paul for your service to the USA
January 12, 2026 @ 7:44 pm
Thelma,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Paul never met a stranger. He was a pleasure to know.
Prayers for peace and comfort.
Karen Harbison