Angel C. Montenegro

Angel C. Montenegro, 89, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 31, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and unwavering love for his family and community. Angel lived a rich and fulfilling life marked by devotion, resilience, and generosity.

Born on September 27, 1936, in Clearwater, Kansas, to Hermenegildo and Manuela (Ledesma) Montenegro. He loved his family, fishing, trains, working on cars, a good steak and German Chocolate cake.

In 1954, Angel left high school at 17 years old to enlist in the United States Army. He served in the Army Corps of Engineers, and constructed airstrips in England. After he completed his service, he returned to Kansas and worked alongside his father for the ATSF Railroad. A serious train derailment ended his railroad career, but Angel’s determination never wavered. He reinvented himself as an automobile technician, a profession he excelled in until he retired at age 63.

In 1958, he married the love of his life Margaret. Their partnership and dedication set a powerful example for all who knew them. Together, they built a family grounded in love, humor, and strong values. They had four children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. All who remained the center of his world.

Angel’s Catholic faith was a guiding force throughout his life. He actively served as a Lector and Usher of St. Anthony-St. Rose Parish. He volunteered at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church and gave countless hours to The Lord’s Diner, serving meals to Wichita’s underserved community.

Angel also established a neighborhood watch program. He served as its president for many years. Known for his mechanical skill and generous heart, he helped countless neighbors and friends with auto repairs. He never turned anyone away and never asked for payment.

Angel is reunited in death with his beloved wife, Margaret Montenegro; his parents; siblings, Basilisa Lopez, John Montenegro, Mary Reyes, Frank Montenegro, Jesse Montenegro; and four siblings who died in infancy.

He is survived by his children, Vincent (Sandra) Montenegro, Renaldo (Kathleen) Montenegro, Steven Montenegro, and Angelo Montenegro; grandchildren, Sean (Beatrice) Montenegro, Clinton Montenegro, Jennifer (Wil) Day, Preston Montenegro, Jon-Norman (Delaney) Montenegro, and Robert Prow; and great-grandchildren, Elijah Montenegro, Makayla Montenegro, Clark Day, Finneas Day, and Madeline Montenegro. He is also survived by his siblings, Carmen (Rudy) Ramirez, Dolores Warrell, Cecilia (Ephraim) Izaguirre, Esther (Peter) McDermott, Helen Marshall; and brother-in-law, Henry Reyes; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the love he shared so freely.

Viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, and from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.

Recitation of the Rosary will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, also at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.

A graveside service will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorials have been established with the Lord’s Diner, 540 N. Broadway St., Wichita, KS 67214; GallantFew, P.O. Box 1157, Roanoke, TX 76262.