Wayne D. Montgomery

Wayne D. Montgomery, 91, of Davenport, died Friday, January 5, 2024, at Bickford Cottage, Davenport.

A Celebration of Wayne’s life will take place in the Spring of 2024. A private family burial was held in Davenport Memorial Park. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers or memorials please consider doing an act of kindness for someone in need. Wayne constantly helped the homeless with warm meals and clothing. And believed helping others was how he could pay it forward for those in need and show gratitude for the success he achieved in life.

Wayne was born in Creighton, Missouri in 1932. He was raised by his mother Beulah and wonderful stepfather, Gerald Sundberg.  His dear uncle Virgil Barnett also played a significant role in his upbringing. He maintained a close relationship with all his relatives in Missouri. Wayne’s incredible work ethic started early when he was selling newspapers at the corner of 3^rd and Brady St. as a young boy.

Wayne and DeEtta were united in marriage on November 6, 1953, in Morrison, Illinois.  She preceded him in death on November 26, 2005, following 52 years of marriage. Their life they enjoyed in their beautiful home on Temple Lane, which allowed their children to thrive in a great neighborhood and gave them the opportunity to make many of their lifelong friends. In addition to his wife, Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, and a favorite uncle, Virgil Barnett.

In 1960, Wayne, with the help of his mother, Beulah established the family business, Wayne Montgomery Floor Coverings, Inc. in downtown Davenport. They later grew business after they purchased a large Victorian Mansion at 14^th and Brady St. in Davenport in 1968. This allowed them to build a big addition so they could display furniture in addition to the floorcovering and drapery products. His wife DeEtta joined the business at this time and was instrumental in giving the community a place to shop for quality furniture.  They continued to grow the business by adding Cash & Carry Carpets in 1975.  All of Wayne’s children worked alongside him as he continued to share his strong work ethic. Along with several valued employees that worked there, it made his family business such a special place to work and shop at.

Wayne was an active member at Lindsay Park Yacht Club for over 50 years. Boating on the Mississippi was his favorite thing to do along with his family. An annual trip up to Stillwater was their summer vacation. 

Those left to honor Wayne’s memory are his children: Mike Montgomery, Lisa (Jay) Lofgren, Gayle (Peter) Clarke, Bridget (Scott) Carroll, and Dean (Clare) Montgomery; grandchildren: Nicholas (Stacy) Lofgren, Sean, Ian and Frank Counihan, Lauren (Zach) Austen, Reilley and Allison Montgomery, Michaela (Connor) Murphy, Alexander Montgomery; Step Grandchild: Michael (Amanda) Clarke.  Great grandchildren: Brielle, Adelina, Liam, Layla, Brayden & Serena; a sister-in-law, Donna Piatt, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also, we would like to mention his dear friend, Betty Carter, that he enjoyed doing many things in life, including his Friday night supper club they regularly attended.

Wayne was there as father figure for many of our family friends, which include Debi Dolittle, Gretchen Cosby, Mike Pointer, and Jami Miller.

The family would also like to thank the staff at Bickford Cottage for the terrific loving care they gave their father for the past four years. Along with the decades of help he received from Dr. Coyne and the cardiovascular staff at CVM in Davenport. Wayne regularly enjoyed his cardio rehab exercise classes for decades.