Gene "Skinner" Montgomery

Gene "Skinner" Montgomery, 73, of Flat Rock, IL, passed away on February 14, 2022, in the comfort of his home. He was born March 24, 1948, in Flat Rock, IL, the son of Harry & Iva (Johnson) Montgomery. He grew up in the Flat Rock area and attended Robinson High School before serving his country in the U.S. Army as a radio operator with the 25th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. Back home, he found work with Marathon, where he worked in a number of capacities for almost 30 years before retiring from the pumphouse. Away from the refinery, he stayed busy working on the family farm and serving his community as a volunteer for the Flat Rock Fire Department and as a Flat Rock Telephone board member. He was also a longtime trustee of the Jones Cemetery and was active with the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Much of his free time found Skinner outside. He loved the woods and was known to take his grandkids hunting and fishing with him. Though these were some of his favorite activities, it was the time spent with his grandchildren that made it all truly special. Simply put, they were each the apple of his eye and brought life to his living. Skinner left his mark on the lives of his family, his (many) friends, and those in his community. He was the very definition of "a man who knew no stranger", and we who had the good fortune of knowing him could never forget the strength and good humor which defined his 73 years with us. Though he is gone, he could never be forgotten. He married Virginia Hawley on December 23, 1968, and she survives. He is also survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Scott & Alison Montgomery; his grandchildren, Madison and Chase; his sister & brother-in-law, Harrietta & Jim Wilson; his brothers & sisters-in-law, John & Becky Montgomery and Wayne & Karen Montgomery; his sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Shirley & Bill Williams; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry & Iva Montgomery, and his sons, Sean Montgomery and Brent Montgomery. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 19th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor J.D. Branson officiating. Burial will be in the Jones Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by the combined units of the U.S. Army, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Cystic Fibrosis Foundation" or to "Good Samaritan Hospice", with envelopes available at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, a recording of Skinner's service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .