Monty Blake Wynn died on October 10, 2024, in Boise, Idaho from complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 69 years old.
He was born in Baker (now Baker City) Oregon on August 28, 1955 and graduated from Baker High School in 1974. After high school he followed in his brother’s footsteps and enlisted in the United State Navy where he served 20 years until his retirement in 1994. He qualified as a submariner in less than six months and became an electronics technician. He first served on the USS Lafayette SSBN 616, Blue Crew, the USS Von Steuben, SSBN 632 Blue Crew, and the USS Nevada, SSBN 733 Gold Crew. He completed 20 patrols, equivalent to five years of service under the sea. He wrote curriculum for the next generation of Trident submarines. He earned numerous medals and recognition throughout his service, was a top-rated naval instructor and achieved the rank of Petty Officer, First Class in the Navy.
After retirement, he became a beloved volunteer at the Boise VA Medical Center from 2011 until 2020. He was given the Spirit of Freedom Award in 2012 presented by United States Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho in honor of Monty’s services to the country and continued contributions to his community. In 2014, Monty also received a lifetime achievement award, the Presidents Volunteer Service Award, signed by United States President Barack Obama for Monty’s commitment to building a stronger nation through voluntary service.
He was employed at the Boise VA Medical Center from 2017 until his death. He will be sorely missed by his colleagues, fellow Veterans, friends, neighbors and family.
In 2007, Monty recorded an interview at the War Hawk Museum in Nampa, Idaho and registered with the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress. See the Monty Blake Wynn Collection interview here: https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.48135/
Monty was predeceased by his mother Vena Udell Wynn (née Clouse). father Fred Walter Wynn, brothers Steven Wynn and Charles Janoe and sister Vena “Teddy” Hobart (née Janoe). He was also predeceased by his nephews Dan Janoe, Leonard Moreno and Frank Moreno and former brother-in-law former brother-in-law Leonardo Moreno. He is survived by his sister Pat Wynn of Meridian, Idaho and sister Debra “Debbie” Wynn and her husband Allen Maberry of Portland, Oregon. In addition, he is survived by his niece Sandy Moro (Gary) and family from Ione, California. Also survived by his brother-in-law Phelps Hobart of Sacramento, California. Saddened by the loss of their uncle Monty are his nephews Eric “Rick” Janoe and family from Elk Grove, California, Michael Moreno, Tom Moreno from Sacramento, California, nieces Laura Way (Bill) and family from Boise, Idaho, Elaina Goettsch (Mike) and family from Carmichael, California, Carla Moreno and family from Sacramento, California, Linda Moreno (Clark Boomhower) from Somerset, California and family, and the families of Leonard Moreno and Dan Janoe in Florida, California and Utah. He was also survived by his aunts Dorothy Payton of Mountainburg, Arkansas and Susie Campbell of Eugene, Oregon and numerous cousins and their families. Monty was thrilled to have so many great nieces and nephews and 22 additional grand nieces and nephews … and counting.
Funeral arrangements are being made by Bowman Funeral Parlor in Garden City, Idaho with coordination with the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise. A military funeral will be held at 11am at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery on Thursday, November 7, 2024 where Monty will be interred. Additional plans for a celebration of Monty’s life after the ceremony are in preparation.
Contributions in memory of Monty can be made to the causes he loved most: military veterans, and dogs. Also follow his example and volunteer your time and treasure for the people and causes you care about.