SMU Professor Emeritus, Dr. Montie Gene Monzingo, passed away Monday, April 22, 2019. Born to Garland W. and Maurine Walker Monzingo on May 4, 1940, in Stamford, Texas, Montie was a graduate of Stamford High School, class of 1958, and would later earn his A.S. from Tarlton Jr. College, B.A. and M.A. from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) and his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Oklahoma.
He was an SMU faculty member from 1966-2009, holding leadership roles in numerous organizations, including Mathematical Science Division, Faculty Senate, Faculty Club, Student Affairs Committee and Tutorial Service and Student Center advisory boards. He also taught in SMU’s Talented and Gifted Summer Program. He was the recipient of SMU’s prestigious “M” Award, three Outstanding Professor Awards, the first Betty McKnight Speairs Endowed Teaching Excellence Award in Mathematics and the Distinguished University Teaching Award of the Texas Section, MMA. He served the MAA as SMU representative, chair of the Texas Section and member of the Board of Governors.
In 1998, Montie married Dr. Vivian A. Dennis, career faculty member of DCCCD. They enjoyed twenty years of extensive global travel, social engagements, civic involvement, historic preservation initiatives and much more. The couple moved from their Rockwall, TX, home to Sulphur Springs, TX, in 2016.
He had particular fondness for mechanics, art, history, music, historic preservation, philosophy, literature, travel, movies and livestock ranching. A learner by nature, he was an avid reader, tinkerer and “YouTuber,” as well as a collector of books, music, classic cars, tractors, mercantile scales and especially nineteenth and early twentieth century cash registers, which he cherished. His hobbies and love of collectibles fostered enduring friendships.
His interest in genealogy led to membership and officer roles in the Sherman, Dallas and East Fork Trinity chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution, and more recently the General Society War of 1812. He traveled the state, participating in community events, historic/veteran/memorial services and scholastic programs.
Montie was preceded in death by his father, Garland Monzingo, a WWII U.S. Army sergeant interred in the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands, which lead to Montie’s membership in the American WWII Orphans Network and his service as the American delegate for the annual wreath laying ceremony in 2017. Montie is also preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Maurine Walker Monzingo and A.C. Robinson, as well as brothers Douglas Monzingo and Mike Robinson and nephew, Allen Monzingo.
Montie is survived by his wife, Vivian, nephews Jeff (Sandy) Monzingo and Mike (Suzie) Monzingo, as well as numerous cousins, great-nieces and nephews, extended family and a host of dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in his memory to the Old Saltillo United Methodist Church, a rural community church Montie lovingly supported through works and deeds: OSUMC, P.O. Box 208, Saltillo, TX 75482.
A celebration of Montie’s life will be held 2:30pm Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Location. A gathering of family and friends will take place prior to the service, beginning at 1:00pm.
Our Sincere Condolences
