Our beloved husband, father and grandfather Edward Dale Montgomery passed away on February 2, 2012, at Kennewick, Washington at the age of 95, after losing a 2-year battle with bone cancer. Edward was born on April 27, 1916 in Pekin, Illinois to John Cleveland Montgomery and Bessie Grace Hull Montgomery. He was the fourth of eight children 5 boys and 3 girls. Baptized a Lutheran in early childhood, he received his education in Tazwell County, Illinois. He had to quit school in the 11th grade so that he could help support his family. In May of 1938, Ed met the love of his life, Wanda L. Collins; and they were married on December 3, 1938 at Fort Madison, Iowa. In May 1940, son Jerry Cleveland Montgomery was born in Pekin, Illinois. Ed worked at Corn Products Co. in Illinois until World War II started. During the war, Ed and Wanda worked at a rocket powder plant Hercules Powder Co. in Sunflower, Kansas. This was very dangerous work, and wife Wanda's beautiful auburn hair was bleached almost white from nitroglycerin fumes by the end of the war. After the war, the family of 3 moved out West to Longview, Washington, to join other family members who had already gone West. Son Larry Dale Montgomery was born in Longview, Washington on February 24, 1950. Ed worked at the Longview Fiber paper mill in Longview for many years. The family lived in Colfax, Washington for 6 years, 1960 through 1965, where he was a Star Route mail contractor. Ed and Wanda and son Larry moved to Kennewick, Washington in 1965, where Ed also worked as a Star Route mail contractor trucking mail from Pasco to Richland, Kiona, Benton City, and Prosser. During daily layovers from the truck route, Ed started the first letter mail box delivery route in the Horse Heaven Hills working out of Prosser and Mabton. Ed retired from the mail routes in 1974; but he still wasn't really retired. He was part owner/manager/bookkeeper for the Foam Shop and Ace's Upholstery in Kennewick from 1985 to 2005. He finally retired for real in 2005 at the age of 89. He was a resident of Kennewick for 47 years. Ed is survived by his wife of 73 years, Wanda Montgomery in Kennewick, his son Jerry Montgomery and daughter-in-law Linda Montgomery in Richland, and son Larry Montgomery in Anchorage, Alaska. Ed is also survived by sister Margo Brown in Florida, 2 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father, mother, 4 brothers, 2 sisters, and beloved grandson Edward "Eddie" Montgomery. Ed was a kind and gentle man, who was always willing to help others out. His favorite activities were hunting and fishing with his sons and working on automobiles. He spent many enjoyable hours finding and fixing automotive problems. He did all of his own mechanic work for many years on his mail trucks and cars; and he maintained the entire family's vehicles for many years until well into his 80's when this work become too difficult for him. He didn't have to join clubs or organizations to be happy. His happiness was his work and his family. He also enjoyed traveling around the country with his wife Wanda and his beloved dog, April. At Ed's request, there will be no services. He will be buried at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Kennewick, Washington. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations in Ed's name may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1177 Jadwin, Suite 106, Richland, WA 99354. You may also express your thoughts and memories on the online Guestbook at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com; or you may sign a memorial book for Ed at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union in Kennewick. Our family wishes to thank Dr. Ranji Pillai, M.D., Kennewick General Hospital and the wonderful people at Hospice who made a very difficult time so much easier.