Larry DeLeon Montoya

Larry DeLeon Montoya, age 79, of Gulfport, MS passed away at his home on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Larry was born on July 9, 1941 in Weslaco, TX to the late Lazaro and Camila Montoya. He worked for Northern California Tile Industry with BAC Local 3 Union until moving to the MS Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to help with recovery efforts. Larry was a master tile layer known for his unique tile designs in both residential and commercial applications. Upon arriving on the Gulf Coast, he began working for Southern Renovations where he met the love of his life, Ellen Montoya, who he later married on October 10, 2008. Larry enjoyed gardening, his dogs Bandit and Julio, any outdoor activities and just socializing with family and friends. He never met a stranger. It did not matter where he went, he would strike a conversation with anyone willing to talk. Larry was preceded in death by his parent, Lazaro and Camila Montoya; his loving wife of 11-years, Ellen Montoya; and two sisters, Rafaela Moreno and Matildo Sordia. He is survived by his step-children, Lester Denley Jr (Natascia), Missy Steenkamp (Colin) and Suellen Radich (Tom); as well as 9 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dennis and Becky Brooks for their continued love, support and true friendship shown to Larry before and after Ellen passed. You always made sure he made doctor’s appointments and had whatever was needed. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Woolmarket Cemetery with visitation at 1:00 pm and services to begin at 2:00pm. We ask everyone to please wear a mask. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Larry’s name to either Seashore Mission, PO Box 226, Biloxi, MS 39533 and/or Humane Society of South MS, 2615 25th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Montoya family.