Monty Joe Gist

Monty Joe Gist of Midland, Texas passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, April 5, 2024 at the age of 90.

Monty was born on April 1, 1934 in Texhoma, Oklahoma to Hoyt and Leila Gist. He attended Texhoma High School, where he was the football captain and met his future wife, Shirley Stradley. He graduated in 1956 from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. He and Shirley moved to Midland in the summer of 1956, where they raised two sons.

He worked as a geologist for six decades, even collaborating on projects well into his 80s with his eldest son and grandson for the family business, Montego Minerals. He enjoyed ranching throughout his life. He ran cattle, raised quarter horses, and bravely dabbled in ostrich farming. (Unfortunately, ostrich did not become “the next red meat.”) His grandchildren have fond memories of visiting his ranch outside of Midland, where they learned how to ride horses and launched fireworks on the 4th of July.

During his later years, Monty could often be found having breakfast with his group of friends at JoJo’s, socializing at the office, watching the news or sports, and caring for neighborhood cats, one of which he affectionately named “Alan Jackson.” Monty was known for his playful sense of humor, youthful spirit, gentle nature, and cowboy charm. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, coworker, and neighbor.

Monty is survived by wife, Shirley, and sons, Marc Gist of Austin, Texas and Rhett Gist and wife Janice of Midland, Texas; grandchildren, Cutler Gist and wife Jacque of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kelson Gist and wife Lauren of Austin, Texas, Morgan Gist MacDonald and husband Chad of Midland, Texas and Darcy Gist Zornes and husband Erik of Sherwood, Oregon; and eight great grandchildren, Cutler’s children, Thatcher and Mabel, Kelson’s children, Alyssa and Riley, and Morgan’s children, Cora, Ewan, Meredith, and Zelda.

Monty is preceded in death by his parents, Hoyt and Leila Gist, sister, Gwen Gist, and great grandson, Mercer Gist.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the dedicated and compassionate care provided by Angel’s Care Hospice and the team of caregivers who were a daily part of his life over the last two years, including Monica Lavenant, Deirdre Rivers, Pepper White, LaSandra Bower, and Farrah Wize.

The family will hold a private service.

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