Obituaries detail

Wayne J. Montgomery

April 12, 1943 - November 7, 2023

 

Wayne J. Montgomery, age 80, of Lenexa, Kansas passed away on November 7, 2023 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Wayne was a Vietnam combat veteran, and pursuant to his wishes, a private family graveside service and burial will take place on Friday, November 17 at the Leavenworth National Cemetery.

 

Wayne was born on April 12, 1943 in Darby, Pennsylvania, son of Fred and Rose Montgomery. The family moved to Prairie Village, KS when Wayne was 11 years old. Wayne graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School and received both bachelor's and master's degrees in exercise physiology from the University of Kansas.

 

Wayne was a PGA Golf Professional. He was the managing golf pro at the Johson County Parks and Recreation golf courses (Tomahawk and Heritage) for over 40 years before retiring. He enjoyed an excellent reputation as a teaching golf professional and continued giving private golf lessons until shortly before his death.

 

Wayne was a member of the Mild Hogs, a patriotic motorcycle riding group, a lifelong member of the Professional Golf Association, a member of the United States Golf Association, and the American Legion. He was also a KU sports fan.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Saundra Smith. He is survived by his wife, Jill Montgomery, his brother, Fred (Marcia) Montgomery of Overland Park, his sister, Linda (Garrett) Scott of Wichita, and five nephews and their families.

 

Wayne will be remembered as a kind man, who loved his family and others, and who always had a ready and infectious smile.

 

Condolences may be expressed below.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Wayne's memory to the Wounded Warriors or to the Disabled Veterans (DAV).

Condolences

Sean Claycamp Nov 10, 2023

Student ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I was so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing today. I thought of him the whole way around today as I played. Keep your back to the target… keep your head still… rotate your hips. I have saved all of my blue cards he wrote out for me after 10+ years of lessons. Kansas City’s golf community has lost one of the BEST ONES.

Steve Roush Nov 11, 2023

Golfer ,Overland ,Kansas

Our thoughts are with you.

Ron Schauble Nov 12, 2023

Friend from Army ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Wayne and I served together in the 842nd QM company in Quang Tri Viet Nam. Quang Tri was one large patch of sand, and Wayne spent his free time practicing his sand trap technique. Wayne was always a quiet, supportive person. These were time of stress for many in the unit. Wayne’s demeanor and comments were a constant source of support. It was an honor to have known and served with him.

Mary Miller Nov 12, 2023

Former coworker ,Spring Hill ,Kansas

I met Wayne in 1998 when I joined JCPRD. He was always kind and professional and a true gentleman.

Bill Sulley Nov 12, 2023

Friend and business ,Overland Park, ,Kansas

Met Wayne when I came back from the service and started playing golf. Later I became a sales rep in the golf industry and he would buy from me. Always one of my favorite persons.

Bob Haring Nov 12, 2023

Friend ,Clermont ,Florida

So sorry for the loss of this outstanding man. He and I served together our entire tour of duty in South Vietnam. He was a consistent friend and force for kindness. Quiet - yes. Strong - for sure. One of my favorites - for sure. May he rest in peace until we meet again. Sergeant Mom

john davis Nov 12, 2023

friend ,lenexa ,Kansas

he was a first class gent

john ragadale Nov 12, 2023

long time friend and pupil ,kansas city ,Missouri

Wayne ,and his wife , are among the dearest friends and most cherished memories that my wife Lisa, our daughter ,Sydney , and I have. We are overwhelmed by his passing and our loss. Our condolences to Jill and the rest of his family.

john ragadale Nov 12, 2023

long time friend and pupil ,kansas city ,Missouri

Wayne ,and his wife , are among the dearest friends and most cherished memories that my wife Lisa, our daughter ,Sydney , and I have. We are overwhelmed by his passing and our loss. Our condolences to Jill and the rest of his family.

Nancy Silverforb Nov 12, 2023

golf student ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

Wayne was the best golf teacher ever. I still have the cards on which he would write a few tips to remember from each lesson. His good humor and ability to help students relax and enjoy golf were true gifts. He will be missed.

Jill Leiker Nov 12, 2023

Coworker John County P&R ,Olathe ,Kansas

I met Wayne in 1999 when I began working at JCPRD. He always had a kind word, a helpful hand and an infectious smile. Wayne was a true professional that loved golf and enjoyed sharing his passion with kids and adults alike. The community has lost a great ambassador. My condolences to you Jill and your entire family.

George Ann and Larry Seymour Nov 12, 2023

Good friends for years ,Bella Vista ,Arkansas

We met Wayne many years ago when he was at the Tomakawk Hills Country Club…we moved to Arkansas 26 years ago but would stop and see Wayne when we were in the KC area…we send our love and sympathy to Jill and all the family. 🙏🏻💕

Austin L. Landreth Nov 12, 2023

Wayne was a class act. Since I lived close to Tomahawk Hills I would practice there a lot. Consequently I got to know Wayne and took quite a few lessons from him. After retirement I also worked for him a while at Heritage Park GC. RIP Wayne and enjoy those great golf courses up above.

Richard Nov 12, 2023

Golfer ,Olathe ,Kansas

Wayne was a good man. I was blessed by knowing him.

Ralph Hays Nov 14, 2023

coworker ,Wellsville ,Kansas

Saddened to learn of Wayne's passing. I worked with him for many years and he was always friendly, kind and supportive. A genuinely good man who will be missed.

Vicki Haller Nov 15, 2023

Long time friend/co worker ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Wayne was at the top of the list of all time truly kind and genuinely caring people, everyone who knew him would agree. He and I grew up a block apart, his sister even babysit us. We both went to SM East and KU at different times but our paths crossed in the 70’s when JCPRD was just beginning its Recreation division. Wayne was hired to work with children in a fledgling daycare program which went on to be a successful model throughout the county. But he soon started the public golf program which became wildly popular and became his lifelong career. Everyone wanted to be taught by Wayne and he was truly beloved. The world is a better place because of Wayne Montgomery and I am honored to have known him.

Mike Ricket Nov 15, 2023

Fellow PGA Member ,Leawood ,Kansas

Wayne was the nicest gentle man. He was always incredibly warm and welcoming. He will be missed!

Tim Hacker Nov 15, 2023

Midwest Section PGA member ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Wayne's family. He will be missed.

Charlie Johnson Nov 15, 2023

Friend ,Spring Hill ,Kansas

Wayne was a great person, always kind and encouraging to others - a true gentleman. Rest easy, friend.

Jeff Johnson Nov 16, 2023

fellow PGA member ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Wayne was a very good man. Hard working friendly and dedicated to his profession!

jay lispi Nov 16, 2023

Midwest PGA golf Professional ,Olathe ,Kansas

Wayne hired me to manage Tomahawk Hills in 1990 where I spent 32 years until I retired 2022 which I will be forever grateful. He was a great supervisor and friend. Will always remember his greeting when I would come up to talk with him or basically anyone, It was always Hey Bum! Wayne will be greatly missed.

Garrett Scott Nov 16, 2023

Brother in law ,Bel Aire ,Kansas

I came to know Wayne through my wife Linda, or "Lindo" as Wayne affectionately called her. I have been blessed with 3 wonderful brother in laws. Wayne was a gem. Being an avid golfer myself and having Wayne (a PGA teaching professional) as your brother in law was amazing. Wayne was always asking me, Garrett do you need anything? Some balls? Some gloves? How about shoes, Are you good there? If I said I could use anything, sure enough he would send me a care package a few days later with whatever I said I needed. It was always top notch stuff too. Pro V1 golf balls, Foot Joy shoes, or Mizuno Cabretta leather gloves. On thanksgiving he and Jill always brought pies from Tippins. Never just one or two, always at least 3 of different kinds so everyone had some pie that they liked. One Thanksgiving he arrived with a full set of Taylor Made forged irons, two Bob Vokey wedges, and a Taylor Made driver, and two ping hybrid clubs. Wayne was so generous. He also was very warm and kind. One of the things I know he loved to do was help annually by putting wreaths on military graves on Veterans Day. He was a true patriot and a class act.. Linda and I will miss him dearly. Garrett Scott

Mike Upchurch Nov 16, 2023

Golf student ,Leawood ,Kansas

I am saddened to hear the news of Wayne passing away. I just spoke to him a few weeks ago and he told me about his illness. Wayne was a true gentlemen and one of the nicest persons I’ve ever met. I remember him helping instruct us at Tomahawk when I was on the SMW golf team from 1977-1979. And I never stopped taking lessons from Wayne, including this summer. I have kept ALL of his blue lesson cards with his “Top Secret” golf tips that he gave me over many years. I will cherish those tips as he was my Harvey Penick. My parents both loved Wayne and took many lessons from him and my Dad even worked with Wayne at Heritage. When my mom recently passed away, Wayne set aside his own troubles and told me my parents were some of the finest people he’d ever met. Wayne, I feel the same about you-RIP. Prayers to Jill and the family.

Joel Leibsohn Nov 16, 2023

Student and friend ,Shawnee Mission ,Kansas

I am so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. I have taken golf lessons from Wayne for at least 25 years. Wayne was an amazing teacher. His knowledge of the game was unsurpassed. But what’s more important is his ability to assess your game and carefully slowly patiently teach you the vast number of essential techniques necessary to build a long lasting knowledge. It’s a knowledge you refer to when any part of your game needs help. This could not be done in one or two encounters. There are so many facets to the game and There’s only so much you can take in in one lesson. Wayne had a wonderful engaging friendly personality and he gave you his full attention. He was a raconteur with interesting funny and historical stories to tell regarding famous golfers and teachers in the sport. He was the epitome of politeness and consideration. He was a very special person whom I was fortunate to have as a friend and teacher. He will be greatly missed. Please accept my sincere condolences. Joel Leibsohn

Mary Riedesel Nov 19, 2023

Coworker at JCPRD ,Lenexa ,Kansas

With heartfelt sympathy to all of Wayne’s family.I could not say one negative thing about Wayne He was the most kindest and caring person I know. Everyone’s friend! Jill, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs to you!

Amanda & William Hamker Dec 13, 2023

Student ,Overland Park ,Kansas

We were so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. My son and I took weekly lessons from him and quickly became friends. We always looked forward to our summer lessons with Wayne. Always had a kind word to say and his blue cards are something we will cherish. Wayne was a good one and our deepest condolences for his wife and family. Sincerely, Amanda & William