Richard Neil Montgomery

Richard Neil Montgomery came into this world on August 20, 1954. Known lovingly as “Neil” by all, he was born to Ed and Marie (Leonard) Montgomery in Altus, Oklahoma. Upon graduating from Duke High School, he went on to play baseball as catcher at Altus Junior College until a knee injury ended his collegiate career. After faithfully serving in the United Sates Army, Neil, deeply connected to southwest Oklahoma, returned to the area to make his home in Duke and remained devoted to this community throughout his life.

Neil was smitten with Rhonda Kay “Cissie” Kitchen from the moment they met. Although she was hesitant at first — and admittedly a little scared of him — the two were married in Hollis on August 24, 1974. They shared nearly 40 wonderful years together before her passing in 2014.

Neil dedicated his life to serving the people of southwest Oklahoma through Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, beginning his career there in 1978. From his early days as a carpenter to his later roles as Program Director and ultimately Executive Director in 2000, Neil’s steady hand and humble heart helped shape programs that uplifted countless families and individuals across the region.

Under his leadership, Southwest Transit became a vital lifeline for the elderly and disabled—becoming the first program in Oklahoma to receive funding from the Special Unit on Aging to purchase vans. In 1983, that vision expanded to include rural public transportation. His leadership also allowed essential programs like Head Start, Early Head Start, Southwest Enterprises, and ACMI House to thrive.

Neil’s commitment to excellence was evident in every role he undertook. A Certified Community Action Professional since 1998, he also served as President of the Oklahoma Transit Association, and as a respected member of both the Oklahoma Community Action Agency and the Region IV Community Action Agencies Association.

Beyond his professional life, Neil’s leadership carried into his community. He coached youth baseball and softball—both boys’ and girls’ teams—from the early 1970s through 2018, mentoring not only his daughter, Chanda, and granddaughter, Kylie, but also countless local children and friends. He was also deeply involved in 4-H and FFA, helping guide Chanda, Kylie, and many others through their livestock show careers.

Neil passed from this life on Sunday, November 2, 2025. His life and legacy represent the very best of what we call the Oklahoma Standard—steadfast service, integrity, and kindness toward others. His decades of dedication leave behind a living legacy in the programs he built, the people he served, and the community he loved so deeply.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Cissie; son, Micah Shane Montgomery; parents, Ed and Marie; siblings, Dale Montgomery, Carroll Montgomery, Nathan Montgomery, Patricia Mooneyham, and Phyllis Graumann; brother-in-law, Donnie Kitchen; and sister-in-law, Joyce Montgomery.

Neil’s spirit of service and resilience live on through his daughter, Chanda Miranda and husband, Casey; granddaughter, Kylie Te’Neil Taylor and husband, Ethan; siblings, Gary Montgomery and Sherry Blackwell; along with many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Today, we express our deepest gratitude for his lifetime of service and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. May we remember Neil not only for what he accomplished, but for who he was—a true servant leader whose compassion and commitment will continue to inspire generations to come.

The family will formally greet friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursday, November 6th. Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Friday, November 7th, in the Kincannon Memorial Chapel with Monty Montgomery officiating. Immediately following Neil will be laid to rest next to Cissie at Riverside Cemetery in Mangum.

The service livestream may be viewed at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2MjI5MjAxNTM4NzQ0MCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==. Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.