What a Man!

The Davis Grandchildren, Sept. 2007


My Grandpa, Jonathan Lamont "Monte" Davis passed away on Sept 6th, 2007. It just happened to be Haws birthday. I love this man. The one thing I always hoped for when his health first started failing was that he would live to see the day I was married and that he would be able to meet my husband. My wish came true this past June and I am so grateful that Haws was able to meet this amazing man who means so much to me and my family. I love my Grandpa and I have learned so much from him. He is a man who loved his family, his friends, his country, his fellowman and the car business. He has shown me how to treat people and how to always have a good time no matter how tough things can get. I will miss him and all of his stories, but I know I will see him again. I wanted to include his obituary because I am amazed at all this man was able to accomplish, both inside and outside of oue family.

J. Lamont (Monte) DavisJ. Lamont (Monte) Davis Jan. 5, 1924- Sept. 6, 2007 J. Lamont Davis was born and raised in Ogden, Utah. Monte graduated from Odgen High School in 1943. He was attending Weber State University when he enlisted in the Naval Air Corps. He was a Navy pilot during WW II obtaining the rank of Ensign. On April 24, 1945 he married Alene Wecker, his high school sweetheart. The following December they moved to Long Beach, CA. He then started his automoti ve career with the Glenn E. Thomas Co. starting in the parts department and in 1954 he purchased a 20% interest in the dealership. In 1968 he became the sole owner of the company. Involved in automotive affairs he was a Time Magazine Quality Award recipient. He served as past president of both the Motor Car Dealers Association of California and the Long Beach Auto Dealers Association. He was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1996. He served on Chrylser's Presidents Council and was chairman of the national Dodge dealer council. Monte was well known in the Long Beach community as an honorary board member and former fund raising chairman for the Greater Long Beach YMCA. He was chairman of St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, a former director of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau. He also served on the Long Beach Boy Scout Council helping to obtain the lake at Camp Tahquitz. He served as president of the Long Beach Rotary Club from 1973-74. He was a member of the Virginia Countr y Club since 1974 and served as its president from 2000 to 2001. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints serving as public affairs director and employment specialist. Monte is survived by his wife, Alene; his son, Bob (Barbara); his daughters, Susan Masten (Jeff) and Nancy Larson (Steele); his grandchildren: John Davis (Brooke), Lori Hexburg (Chris), Brad Davis (Kori), Dana Davis, Jeffrey Lamont (Tania), Kristin Schanz (D.J.), Nicole Mangrum (Ty), Brett Matsen, Bryan Larson (Bre Anna), Blake Larson, Nick Larson (Chelsea), Sean Larson, Greg Matsen (Harlene), Melinda Ferraro (Steve) and Brian Matsen (Karen); his great grandchildren: Joshua Lamont Davis, Marcus Lamont Matsen, Dalton Schanz, Luke Davis, twins: Ava and Sofia Schanz; Shane, Morgan, Monroe and Tucker Matsen; Cate, twins: Ana and Sara Ferraro. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, September 11 at 10:30 am at the Long Beach Fourth Ward, 3701 Elm Avenue, Long Beach. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made t o the Memorial Medical Center Foundation, 2801 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90801.