Wallace Dea Montague, Jr., 79, passed away at home on November 25, 2024. He was born on July 8, 1945, in Orange, California, to Wallace Dea Montague and Maxine Walker. His life was dedicated to his faith, family, and community.
Dea lived in several small Utah towns, with his older sister Carol and younger brothers Paul, Mark and John. Growing up the family loved gardening, picnics in the canyons, and camping. Dea enjoyed student government, choir, sports, and the Boy Scouts. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Texas from 1964 to 1966.
He was elated when Marcia Lindblom agreed to marry him on August 18, 1967, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together, they raised nine children: Jenny (Randy) Richardson, Tyler (Tiffini), Trent (Mary Jo), Molly (JR) Wright, Jill (Evan) Jones, Kate (Jay) Arnett, David (Stephanie), Lindsey Sharp, and Mike (Mollie). Dea loved being with his kids and rarely missed an event they were involved in.
Dea earned his Bachelors degree from BYU, and Juris Doctorate from Arizona State University. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Dea gave full effort wherever he was asked to serve. He especially enjoyed working in Scouting. Countless boys credit him for helping them earn the rank of Eagle Scout. During his church service he helped develop programs for members struggling in a variety of situations, and was a champion for young single adults. He was very involved in the community, and especially supportive of Mesa Public Schools.
Sharing the gospel was a lifelong priority to Dea. Serving with Marcia in the Colorado Denver North Mission from 2005 to 2008 was a joy for both of them. They have never stopped being missionaries.
He loved being with family. He looked for every opportunity to gather with them. Each of his family members knew how much they were loved by him. Most of all, he knew who he was, and why he was here on earth. He was a follower of Jesus Christ.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 30, at 11 AM at 613 N Stewart, Mesa, AZ. There will be opportunities to visit with the family following the service.
The service will be streamed here: https://zoom.us/j/91397996008?pwd=sBYNC7Cvav7cSWrWsU1gibAU7gsIBQ.1
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Deepest condolences to family and loved ones; what a wonderful example of a life of love of family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 1977 we moved to Mesa to teach at Westwood High School. Dea and Marcia were in our ward. He was our stake president. They treated us so kindly.
Please accept our sympathies.
Sincerely,
Bart and Sandra. Spencer
stake president. They treated us so kindly.
We are sorry to hear of his passing. There are no kinder people on this world than the Montague
We are newer to Mesa, and although we never knew Dea personally, we know he was a great man because we know his daughter Jenny. She is an outstanding leader, kind warm and thoughtful. We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the entire beautiful Montague family on the passing of your beloved father. His legacy truly lives on through each of you.
With deepest condolences, Tom and Susan Dutton