Obituary of Montague Preston Stover

May 19, 1931 – July 20, 2024

Montague Preston Stover. Age 93 of Wyandotte.

Beloved husband of the late Avenell. Loving father of Steve (Lynne) Stover, Randy (Kim) Stover, Vickie Stover (Tom Chase), Scott (Holly) Stover and Sherry (James) Schneider. Also survived by 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Dear brother of Junior Stover, Drema Shell, Corinne McKinney, Betty Nesci and the late Jackie Stover. 

Family Tribute ~

Obituary for Montague Preston Stover

Montague Preston Stover, cherished husband, devoted father, loving grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at the age of 93. Born in May 1931 in Mossy, West Virginia, to Montague Thomas Stover and Tellie Stover, Preston lived a vibrant life filled with love, dedication, and service.

Preston met his soulmate, Avenell Spears, in middle school, and they shared a remarkable lifelong bond. As a young man, Preston excelled in athletics at Kingston West Virginia High School, playing football, baseball, and basketball. Even during his high school years, his work ethic shone through as he ran the projector at the local movie theater and babysat for his high school principal.

He displayed immense courage and patriotism when he left high school in the 11th grade to enlist in the United States Army. Without telling anyone but his cousin Madilyn, he trained as a paratrooper at Ft. Benning, GA, until a knee injury shifted his path.

In June 1951, Preston and Avenell married in Fayetteville, WV. Shortly thereafter, he was stationed in Augusta, GA, and soon deployed to South Korea. Faced with various job options in the Army, Avenell's humorous advice led Preston to become a cook, a role in which he served with great dedication during the Korean War from 1951-1953.

Upon returning home, Preston and Avenell settled in Ecorse, MI, where he began working at Allen Collett in Melvindale. Their life journey took them to Wyandotte, where he worked at McLouth Steel until health issues necessitated his retirement.

Preston was a pillar of his community, serving as a Deacon at Freewill Baptist Church for over 50 years. He also left a lasting impact on many young lives by coaching little league football for the Wyandotte Indians for more than two decades. His joy in life was unmistakable—whether he was gardening, watching Michigan Wolverine football, cheering for the Tigers, bird watching, or enjoying classic TV shows and country music. Despite his singing voice, he loved to sing with gusto.

He was a people person with an extraordinary gift for connecting with others. Family dinners at Cracker Barrel and holiday gatherings, especially Christmas, filled his heart with joy as they offered precious moments of family togetherness and home-cooked meals.

Preston was a true treasure and a proud member of America's greatest generation. His values, faith, and unwavering love for his family and country have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. As the beloved patriarch of the Stover family, his legacy will continue to shine through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Montague Preston Stover’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and community. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone for their love and support during this time.