Kerry Lewis Montgomery

July 23, 1936 – March 12, 2026

Kerry Lewis Montgomery, a respected jurist, attorney, community leader, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully at home in Springfield, Missouri, on March 12, 2026, with his family at his side. He was 89.

Kerry was born on July 23, 1936, in Greenfield, Missouri, to Lewis Montgomery and Hazel Campbell Montgomery. Raised in southwest Missouri, he attended Greenfield High School and Hurley High School, where he developed the strong work ethic and integrity that would define his life and career.

He went on to attend Southwest Missouri State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education. After a brief period teaching high school, Kerry continued his education at the University of Missouri, where he earned a Master’s degree in Education. Realizing a calling to the law, he returned to the University of Missouri to attend law school, receiving his Juris Doctor and earning the distinction of serving on the Law Review.

Before beginning his legal career, Kerry answered a call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged and continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserve for seven years.

Kerry spent 25 years practicing law in Springfield, building a reputation for fairness, careful reasoning, and unwavering professionalism. His distinguished legal career culminated in his appointment to the Missouri Court of Appeals, where he served for 13 years, including time as Chief Justice. He retired from the court in 2005, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful jurisprudence and dedication to the rule of law.

Beyond his professional life, Kerry was deeply committed to his community. He was a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield, where he served on the church board and remained an active and faithful member for many years. He also served on the board of the Springfield YMCA and was the President of the national Missouri State Alumni Association.

Kerry was also an active member of Twin Oaks Country Club. Over the years he served multiple terms on the club’s board and also as its President, helping guide and strengthen the institution he enjoyed so much.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Kerry was a devoted supporter of the Missouri State Bears basketball team. He held the distinction of being the longest consecutive season ticket holder in the program’s history, proudly cheering on the Bears for decades.

Kerry had a lifelong love of athletics. In his younger years he was an avid handball player and competed as long as he was physically able. Later he transitioned to golf, a game he enjoyed enthusiastically and played regularly until the end of his life.

At the heart of Kerry’s life was his family. While attending college he met his beloved wife, Noma Pollard, his college sweetheart and lifelong partner. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

He is survived by his wife, Noma; his two sons, Scott Montgomery (Amanda Martin) and Grant Montgomery (Jennifer Zehner); and his six grandsons: Luke (27), Walker (25), Will (23), Andrew (21), Wes (8), and Tiger (7). Kerry took great pride in his grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with each of them.

Those who knew Kerry remember a man of quiet strength, steady judgment, and deep loyalty—to his family, his community, and the institutions he served. His life reflected a commitment to integrity, service, and excellence.

A funeral service celebrating Kerry’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on March 25 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield, Missouri.

Friends and loved ones are invited to gather in his honor from 3:30 to 5:00 at Twin Oaks Country Club, 1020 East Republic Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ozarks Food Harvest or a charity of your choice.

Kerry’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the community he served, and the many lives he influenced throughout his distinguished career.