Harry George Montgomery

1949 ∼ 2014

Cosmic cowboy, troubadour, golfer, and lover of learning and higher education, Harry George Montgomery died in his home in Port Neches in the company of loved ones on May 2, 2014. He was a hippie and a bureaucrat; the good kind of both. He loved telling the truth, especially as he saw it. He did not suffer fools, and made many friends for life. He never met a stranger. He was born to Dr. James Caleb Montgomery and Betty Jean (Coppenger) on December 18, 1949 and grew up in Port Neches where he was a valedictorian. He studied at The University of Texas at Austin, among other places, and received a degree from Lamar University. "The Hare" loved singing sad songs, eating great food, and he loved his family. He loved his many friends. He loved his 1968 Martin D-35 and sang songs with it in clubs in Austin and all over. His booming tenor is already missed. Harry quit more good jobs than most people will ever have but worked as hard as he played. He had many jobs before finding his calling in higher education administration. Harry worked at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Legislative Budget Board, Lamar University, and had his own consultancy. His accomplishments include developing the model for distributing state funds to public colleges and universities, being the force behind the Sesquicentennial Scholarship Fund, and throwing a party at the capitol for the State of Texas' 150th birthday. He believed college should be affordable. His son Cale lives in Austin, and his sister Jan Hankamer lives in Nederland. Jan's children, Elizabeth Campbell and Mason Hankamer, live in Beaumont and Austin, respectively. A memorial service will be held Saturday May 17, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches. Dr. Phillip Sigman will officiate. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Lamar University Foundation Scholarship Fund in his name.

Condolences

Levingston Funeral Home November 2, 2021
1 file added to the album Obituary Wall
Harry George Montgomery August 4, 2020
Harry George Montgomery
Anonymous May 23, 2014
First, let me extend my condolences to Harry's family. He was a Christian, so we can have the peace of mind that he is in Heaven now--a place where he can be out of pain and have an eternity to learn things well beyond what he was able to in this limited world. On the humorous side, Harry probably never knew this; but, in the ninth grade I once collected fuzz off of his sweater while he had it off in the band hall and then sold the pieces of fuzz for a few cents to admiring girls around the school. Obviously, he was very popular with the girls; but, he was also very well-liked by the boys. From what I observed through our school years together, he was nice to everyone. He will truly be missed by all of us. With much sympathy . . . Lynda (Pike) Litterst
Anonymous May 20, 2014
Harry , thank you for everything you ever did for me , I needed a friend and help ..and God sent you . I Enjoyed our time together more than you will know . Sharing tales about our past ... Loved playing golf with you and Mr.Jones . I will always miss your laugh and wit . Your friend , Douglas Ball
Anonymous May 17, 2014
Truly one of a kind. Harry will be with us in out memories for as long as anyone that knew him is around. He made the world a better place. RIP my friend
Anonymous May 17, 2014
Our sympathy to Cale & family.
Anonymous May 16, 2014
jimmy Guilbeaux
Anonymous May 16, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with Harry's family at this time. Harry was a mentor and a true friend. He was one of the best friends I had. He will be missed greatly. I enjoyed talking to him about everything from golf to politics. He would do anything to help me and my family. He was a part of OUR extended family he call the hoard. He had a passion for life like no body I've seen. One of a kind.....Harry you will be missed.
Anonymous May 15, 2014
Very sad to hear of Harry's passing. I worked with Harry at Lamar University. He was a wonderful person, was full of life. Very friendly and treated everyone fairly.Loved dinning out, and always asked co-workers to join him. He will truly be missed.
Anonymous May 10, 2014
Cale, Jan, and family, please know that we are truly sorry for the loss of your Scooter. He fought a good fight and his suffering is over. Rest in piece. I'll remember Harry with a smile on my face. Take care from the Bertrand's
Anonymous May 7, 2014
I remember handsome Harry singing and playing guitar at First Christian Church many yrs. ago. Had not seen him in years but always liked him. Nice man.
Anonymous May 7, 2014
I am saddened to hear of this sweet man's death. I worked with Harry for approximately 4 years at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and he became a real friend to me. I will miss our afternoon coffee breaks and visits. He shared a lot of his life with me, as I did him. Why, he even gave me one of his computer monitors that I use to this day! That kind gesture has made a BIG difference for me in my daily work schedule! To his family...I would like to tell you that your son/brother had a sweet spirit and I am truly so sorry for your loss. I am sooooo happy that you were able to go on that cruise Harry, before you took your final cruise to Heaven! Please give my son, Craig Wayne, a big hug for me when you go through those Pearly Gates. R.I.P. Harry, as you truly have earned it after what you had to endure while you were here on earth. Miss YOU, Man!!!