Larry J. Montel

Larry J. Montel, 81, Beaver Dam Lake, died Nov. 8, 2022, at Stillwater Hospice, Fort Wayne. The son of Joseph W. and Mildred V. (Gephart) Montel, Larry was born Nov. 28, 1940, in Fort Wayne.

Two years after graduating from Mentone High School in 1959, Larry married Becky Keirn on June 24, 1961. During their 61 years of marriage, they were blessed with four children, Jay, Jacquelin “Jacki,” Bobbi and Brenda. For over 50 years, Larry supported his family by owning and operating Montel Body Shop, in addition to his own wrecker service. He also owned and operated B&L Trucking for 12 years and somehow found time to farm in the midst of it all. Through farming, he taught his children the value of hard work and the tools necessary for them to become independent. Larry wanted his children to be able to do things on their own and taught them to work on equipment and how to service vehicles themselves.

Larry was adventurous, and in his free time he enjoyed racing at dirt tracks. He had a deep passion for racing and passed that love down to other members of his family. He also loved wintering in Sebring, Fla., with his wife and could often be found riding his golf cart around the area with his four-legged best friend, Misty. During the spring and summer months Larry rode his golf cart around Beaver Dam Lake as well.

The loving memory of Larry will be forever cherished by his wife, Becky Montel, Beaver Dam; son, Jay (Jo) Montel, North Manchester; daughters, Jacquelin “Jacki” Patrick, Beaver Dam, Bobbi Feldman, Beaver Dam and Brenda Denney; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, LaVonne See.

Family and friends may gather from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR 114W, North Manchester. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in North Manchester.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Larry Montel, a love offering may be made to McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR 114W, North Manchester, Indiana 46962 to assist with final expenses.

The family of Larry J. Montel has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.