Monty Downard

Monty Michael Downard passed away Thursday, August 18, 2022, at his home in Florence, surrounded by his family. He was 63 years old. The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, August 22nd, from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. Funeral Service at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence. Burial will follow at Florence City Cemetery.

Monty was born February 27, 1959, to Willard and Bette Downard of Florence and remained there the rest of his life. He loved his family immensely. He wanted to spend as much time possible with family and enjoy all things, Downard or Nicholson.

Monty was a welder and sheet metal foreman for years, prior to working with his dad building portable buildings. He was very artistic and creative and enjoyed drawing and designing, along with his love of carpentry and welding. Like his dad, he was always “tinkering” on anything mechanical.

Monty was a truth seeker of the Holy Word of Yahweh. He loved the Torah and New Testament. He believed Yahweh was the coming King and looked forward to Yahweh returning again. He knew Yahweh as his personal savior.

Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed, is better than silver or gold.” Monty believed this and showed his quality in everything he did. As an avid golfer, Monty was a gentleman on the golf course, and life, as well. Monty believed the type of integrity shown on the golf course reflects the type of person you are in life. As a member of Pearl Municipal Golf Course, he practiced being a better man each time he stepped on the tee box.

Monty is preceded in death by his father, Willard Edward Downard. He is survived by his love and true companion,  Leisa Boteler; sons, Drew (April) Boteler and grandson Christopher of Madison and Kyle (Amanda) Boteler of Brandon; his mother, Bette Downard of Florence; brother, Jeff Downard (Liz) of Florence; sister, Jill Downard Wynn (Kelly) of Canton; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or Marvin United Methodist Church.