Alva Haden Montgomery Jr.

Alva Haden Montgomery, Jr., 86, of Georgetown, formerly Potomac, Illinois, passed away Wednesday March 31, 2021 at home. Alva was born to Alva H. Montgomery Sr., and Hazel E. (Gutterridge) Montgomery on October 12th, 1934 in Danville, IL. Alva married Christine Craycraft on August 28th, 1982 in Catlin, IL., she survives.  Other survivors include his Daughter, Megan Elizabeth Montgomery of Georgetown, twin sons Michael Haden (Gabi) of Danville and Matthew Gregory (Amanda) Montgomery of Junction City, Kansas. Grandchildren: Natalie, Andrew, Adam, Lucas, Hannah, Asher and Lilly. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Hazel Elizabeth.

Alva was a breeder and exhibitor of Hampshire hogs for more than 50 years and longtime grain farmer in the Potomac area. He was a life member of Hampshire Swine Registry, the Illinois Hampshire Breeders Association, serving as Past Secretary-Treasurer and President and as a Director of Land of Lincoln Purebred Livestock Breeders Association for many years. In 1967 he hosted a Hampshire Dinner and Field Day at his Centennial farm with more than 800 Hampshire enthusiasts in attendance from 10 states and 2 foreign countries.

Alva was involved in many civic organizations including: Life member and Past President of the Vermilion County Museum Society, Past member of the Danville Salvation Army Advisory Board, First President and member of Bluegrass Fire Protection District, Life member of Danville Noon Kiwanis Club and Life member of the Danville Art League, as well as being an active member in the Masonic Fraternity for many years. Alva’s current memberships include: Life member and Past Master of Pleasant View Lodge # 782, A.F.&A.M., Life member of Danville Scottish Rite Bodies, Past Most Wise Master of the George E. Burow Chapter of Rose Croix, 33 Degree Honorary Member of Scottish Rite Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and Past Patron of Hope Chapter # 104 Order of the Eastern Star.

Previous memberships include Ansar Temple Shrine of Springfield, Eastern Illinois Shrine Club, York Rite Bodies, East Central York Rite College # 81, Gao Gratto, Mizpah Shrine # 11 of White Shrine of Jerusalem, and General James H. Dolitle Order # 67, Sword of Bunker Hill.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday April 9th at Pleasant View Masonic Lodge in Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. on Thursday April 8th, at Pleasant View Masonic Lodge located at 4 Meyers St. Bismarck, IL. 61814. Memorials in Alva’s name may be made to the Vermilion County Museum Society or Pleasant View Masonic Lodge # 782, A.F. & A.M. The family has entrusted Watson Cremation & Funeral Services in Danville to assist with the arrangements. Online condolences @ www.watsoncremationservices.com

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