Walter Gene Montgomery, 94, of Newark, died Friday, September 11, 2026 at Licking Memorial Hospital. He was born February 16, 1932 in Marion, OH to the late Howard and Bernice (Peak) Montgomery.

Walter proudly served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War, earning the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Before joining the Navy, he worked for The Newark Advocate and The Granville Inn. Following his military service, he worked at Kaiser Aluminum for 17 years followed by 22 years at Newark Air Force Base earning the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. After his first retirement, he worked an additional five years for Medical Benefits Mutual. Walter was also dedicated to serving his community as a volunteer firefighter with Newton Township for 15 years. He was a faithful member of Northside Church of Christ and was involved with Boy Scouts Troop #2, Scouting America, American Legion Post #85, the Korean War Veterans Association, Elks Lodge #391, and was a longtime member of the Utica Sertoma Club where he was recognized with the Service to Mankind Award in 2015. Through his military service, career, and commitment to his community, Walter touched the lives of many and will be fondly remembered for his years of service and dedication to others.

He is survived by his children, Liz (Doug) Douridas, Cynthia (Leo) Kelley, Curtis (Susan) Montgomery, Susan Montgomery and Craig (Tracy) Montgomery; grandchildren, Jodie (Brandon) Greene, Michael Lafferre, Marie (David) Deardurff, Gene Montgomery, Alexandra (Ritchie Willis) Montgomery and Travis Montgomery; four great grandchildren; sisters, Delores White and Joyce (Joe) Longworth; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Jean Montgomery; and daughter, Melissa Montgomery.

For those not wishing to send flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Walter to the Utica Sertoma, 134 N. Central Ave., Utica, OH 43080.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 5-7 pm at the Northside Church of Christ, 4427 Marion Rd NE, Newark, 43055. The funeral service will be Friday, September 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Northside Church of Christ with Pastor Loren Knowlton officiating. Burial will follow the service at Newark Memorial Gardens, where military honors will be presented by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com