Obituary: Montie Box

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Montie Rolen Box was born July 31, 1930 in Comanche, Oklahoma. The first child of Jim and Modena Box, he took the love they gave him and the many lessons they taught him, carving out a full and meaningful life with beloved family and friends.

Montie lived out the idea of never meeting a stranger, meeting new friends and bumping into old friends everywhere he went. His charisma, charm, intellect and hard work were part of a winning formula in his storied real estate career in Sand Springs and the Tulsa area. He was known nationally for his work in real estate, and was known locally for his work to strengthen his hometown. He was proud to be called Mr. Sand Springs for the town he loved. The city of Sand Springs recently designated downtown Sand Springs the Box District in his name.

When Montie was 2 years old, his dad went to work for the Sand Springs Home as their farm manager. Growing up on the Sand Springs Home Farm, Montie learned about agriculture and animals but also the needs of others. Each morning before school he delivered milk to the kids at the Sand Springs Widows’ Colony and Children’s Home. This was all before making it to 8 o’clock band practice.

Montie graduated from Sand Springs High School in 1947, forming many lifelong friendships.

He went on to Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University) in Stillwater, and was a proud OSU alumni and supporter all his life.

After college graduation, Montie served in the Korean conflict. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve, and as a commissioned officer (First Lieutenant) in the U.S. Army. He was a proud lifelong American Legion member, and was recently honored by the Legion for his 70-plus years of membership.

After his service, Montie joined his father-in-law Ray Brown in his insurance and real estate business. Montie had deep respect for Ray Brown, and learned much from him about business but also about treating people with respect. Montie eventually purchased the Ray Brown Agency and then built a larger building in the heart of downtown Sand Springs, showing his faith and belief in the growth of Sand Springs. He was owner of Montie Box Co. for 68 years.

Montie was unwavering in his work to promote the growth and development of Sand Springs. He developed residential subdivisions, warehouses, office and retail space and commercial shopping centers. He indirectly provided housing, industry and financial support for the city for many years.

The lessons Montie learned from his parents on the Sand Springs Home Farm never left him. He worked all his life in philanthropical and civic engagement, serving in leadership positions with the Salvation Army, Sand Springs Lions Club, Tulsa Boys Home, Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, Sand Springs Rotary, Sand Springs Masonic Lodge, Oklahoma State University Alumni Association, Royal Order of the Jesters, American Legion, Sand Springs VFW and the Shriners. He was also inducted into the Sandite Hall of Fame and was selected as Hometown Hero.

Montie’s dedication to the real estate field had a reach far beyond Sand Springs. He served as director of the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors for several terms, president of the Oklahoma Association of Realtors and was regional vice president and later director of the National Association of Realtors. Montie was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Realtors.

One of Montie’s proudest achievements was the creation of the Sand Springs Education Foundation. He knew the value of public education and had a vision for strengthening Sand Springs Schools. The foundation was formed in 1989. Its first endeavor was an old-fashioned “Box supper” where people brought donations of cash and supplies. This launched the foundation, which has since issued grants directly to teachers totaling more than $1 million.

Montie often spoke of his time with the Sand Springs boys’ elementary wrestling program and the hours he spent at the YMCA coaching and mentoring boys, many of whom continued wrestling and advanced to becoming state champions and beyond.

Montie valued his family above all else, and never missed a chance to tell them he loved them and was proud of them. He and his wife, Betty, were married 41 years. Montie and his first wife, Janice, had three children, Gayle, Jimmy and Dana. Montie was also a step-father to Danny Baker, Betty’s son. Some of his favorite days were spent at his farm where he spent time on his tractor and taking care of the cattle.

Montie was a member of the Sand Springs Methodist Church. He attended a weekly men’s Bible study for many years where he strengthened his faith and enjoyed being in the presence of God’s word. Montie often said he prayed each night for God to make him a better man.

Montie loved life and didn’t take a day for granted. He lived life to the fullest, receiving his aviation license, piloting many different planes across the country. Golf was a big part of his life, and he played some of the great courses in the world. He had six holes-in-one, which he was always happy to share stories about. Montie enjoyed time at Grand Lake, in Colorado and in Hawaii. He made lasting friendships in those places and everywhere he went.

Montie was truly one of a kind. He had much success in life but never lost sight of his humble roots. He never looked down on those less fortunate, and worked at lifting them up. He lived life with an open heart and open hands. When out of town, he introduced himself as “Montie Box, Sand Springs, Oklahoma,” proudly tying himself to the hometown he loved.

Montie passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Betty; his sister, Judy Walton; daughter Gayle Lawrence and her husband, Kelly Lawrence; son Jimmy Box and his husband, Hunter; daughter Dana Box and her wife, Lucy Dolman; stepson Danny Baker and his wife, Debbie Baker; granddaughters Natalie Mikles and her husband, Jason Mikles; Brooke Farr and her husband, Brenner Farr; Tricia Smith and her husband, Johnny Smith; Nick Baker and Kristina Baker; great-grandchildren Annabeth, Mary Kate, Bennett, Vivian, Ella, Gentry, Locklyn, Shay and Karter; nephews Stephen Walton and wife, Vicky; and Chris Walton and his wife, Kristen.

Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Sand Springs Methodist Church at 319 S. Main St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sand Springs Education Foundation, Tulsa Boys Home, the Sand Springs Methodist Church or the Salvation Army.

Services have been entrusted to the care of Dillon Funeral Service, Sand Springs, OK.