Monty Prince

Monty Holmes Prince, United States Navy-Retired Monty Holmes Prince passed away peacefully on September 13th, 2016, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family in his home in Bremerton, Washington. Monty was the son of Leroy Prince and Mildred Hobbs, and grew up in the Texarkana, Texas area. He joined the Navy in 1969 and proudly served for 20 years. After retiring from the military in 1989, he worked for many years at Tacoma Screw Products, as well as several years in civil service at Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas, and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. Monty traveled the world, both during his navy career, and during his retirement. With the Navy, he spent time in Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, the former Yugoslavia, Kenya, and the Philippines. With his wife, Edith, he traveled to Germany, St. Thomas, and made several trips to Hawaii. He was also stationed in numerous places in the United States, from Alaska to Florida, and even as far away as Puerto Rico. Monty was known by friends and family as quite the practical joker, and whether it was a well-placed rubber snake, a fake mouse that jumped out of a box, an exploding cigarette load (or popper under the toilet seat!), or an unexpected wet willy, everyone knew that Monty was behind it. Monty ensured that later generations would carry on his legacy by teaching his shenanigans to his numerous nieces and nephews. When he wasn't pulling pranks, he was watching sports, old Westerns, or going to the casino. He was a big Mariners and Seahawks fan, and rarely missed watching a game. When it came to Westerns, there was no bigger star for him than John Wayne. His iconic image graced the walls of nearly every inch of his office and desk. At the casino, you could always find him playing his favorite game, Meltdown. Camping was another passion of Monty's, and he never missed an opportunity to be out in the woods with his family or friends. Whether it was riding three-wheelers or sleeping in a tent, camper, or cabin, he loved to be in the great outdoors. Monty was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. Family and friends meant a lot to him, and he doted on those he loved. He was always there to lend a hand if needed, and always brought a smile to the faces of those he met. Monty is survived by his wife, Edith; sons, Scott Prince and Jeff Prince; sister, Lawana Prince; and numerous extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Sherry Wiley and Glenda Featherston, and a brother, Terry Prince. Viewing will be held on Monday, September 19, 2016, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Edwards Memorial Lakewood Chapel, 11020 South Tacoma Way, Lakewood, WA. Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held on September 20, 2016, at 10:30 am at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240 St. Kent, WA. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008. Please share memories and condolences in the guestbook above.