Pedro "Pete" Montoya Sr.

Pedro “Pete” Montoya Sr. was called Home to Our Lord on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at the age of 75 surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Celestino Montoya and Dominga (Gonzales) Montoya on November 7, 1945 in Seguin, Texas.

Pete was the fifth child born into a family of seven. The Montoya family was raised working on the fields of West Texas. They collected the harvests and transported them to their next stop. At 9 years old Pete found his passion in life when his dad left him in charge of the wheel of their tractor trailer. He took a hold of that steering wheel and never let go. He took pride in his career. His wife Sally was his favorite ride along, but she would selflessly give up her spot on occasion so that her children and later on, even the grandchildren could experience the power of an 18 wheeler on the road. Our family is filled with many memories as Pete’s sidekick on the highways. He loved being a truck driver, but even more than that he was most proud to be a follower of Christ and family man. He never met a stranger and he was not shy about sharing the love of Jesus. So naturally, if he met someone in need he would do anything possible to help them. Our kitchen table often had a hitchhiker my dad brought home to fill their soul and their belly. Our dad was not a perfect man, but it is undeniable that he was a godly man. Pete lived his days in worship and the best gift he gave us was to teach us the art of worship as well. His dedication and faith to his work, his family and our Lord was rewarded as he peacefully passed surrounded by serenades of grateful hearts. Pete left earth with his family singing over him and entered heaven’s gates to join the angels in praise.

Pete is preceded in death by both his father, Celestino and his mother, Dominga; sons, Michael Montoya and Pete Montoya Jr. brothers, Robert Montoya and Joe Roland and his sister, Esperanza Leal.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sally Montoya; his children, Sandra M. (Michael) Sepulveda, Tommy (Lydia) Montoya, Cecilia M. (Armando) Arispe, Stephen (Sally) Montoya, Monica M. (Jimmy) Polanco, Amanda M. (Jose) Lopez and Nina M. (Asael) Ortiz;  20 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ruben Montoya, Gilbert Montoya and sister, Rosa M. Morales; George Valerio who Pete and Sally took care of for a very long time. Pete is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Palmer Mortuary and a Prayer Service will be at 12:00 p.m. Funeral Procession will depart the funeral home chapel after services conclude and interment will be at Santo Tomas.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the chapel has a limited capacity of 50 guests at a time. As per CDC protocols social distancing of 6 feet is required and all guests attending services at the funeral home and cemetery are required to wear a face covering.