Our Arklahoma Heritage: Dr. John Montgomery and wife Doris built a lasting legacy in Leflore County
- Dennis McCaslin
- Aug 28, 2025
- 3 min read
In Poteau, the lives of Dr. John W. Montgomery and Doris Hightower Montgomery stand as a testament to perseverance, justice, and community service.
Their lives, marked by courage and compassion, broke barriers in medicine, education, and civil rights. Today, they rest side by side in Oakland Cemetery, Section M, in Poteau--fitting testament to two lives lived with purpose
Born in 1917 in Texas, John W. Montgomery’s path was shaped by determination.
He graduated from Prairie View A&M University in 1940 with a degree in agriculture and served as a First Sergeant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II.
After the war, he earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee Institute in 1950. In 1951, John and Doris moved to Poteau, entering the segregated “Little Dixie” region with vision and resolve.
Dr. Montgomery founded the LeFlore County Veterinary Clinic in Poteau, the first licensed veterinary practice in the region, serving LeFlore County and surrounding counties for over 35 years. Through dozens of daily house calls, he provided mixed animal care, introducing preventive care, herd health certification, and artificial insemination.
These innovations modernized livestock management, strengthened rural economies, and built lasting trust among farmers and pet owners.
Montgomery’s impact extended to education as a two-term chair of the Oklahoma State University Board of Regents. He played a pivotal role in establishing OSU’s veterinary teaching hospital and preserving its accreditation, ensuring opportunities for students, particularly from underserved communities.
He also supported the expansion of Langston University’s campuses in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. His commitment to inclusion earned him Tuskegee’s Distinguished Alumnus Award (1980), Oklahoma Veterinarian of the Year, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from OSU (1996).
A World War II veteran, Montgomery helped establish the LeFlore County NAACP and led efforts to desegregate schools, restaurants, and public facilities across southeastern Oklahoma with dignity and resolve.
His work culminated in Poteau becoming the first school district in Oklahoma to officially integrate on June 7, 1955--a historic milestone in the fight for equality.
In 2000, Dr. Montgomery was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to veterinary medicine, education, and civil rights. This prestigious honor, bestowed by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame organization, celebrated his lifelong dedication to improving lives and communities.
During the induction ceremony, his partnership with Doris was highlighted, noting their shared commitment to service as a cornerstone of their legacy.
Doris Hightower Montgomery, born in 1920, was a steadfast partner in their shared mission. Together, they nurtured civic initiatives that championed justice and opportunity.
Her family’s resilience was reflected in her mother’s remarkable 107-year lifespan.
His daughter,. Dr. Mildred Randolph, continues his legacy as the director of laboratory animal medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Doris passed away in 2000, her enduring impact forever intertwined with John's.
Dr. Montgomery passed away on December 5, 2014, at age 97, survived by his son, daughter, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
From veterinary innovation in Poteau to educational leadership, civil rights advocacy, and recognition in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Dr. John W. Montgomery and Doris Hightower Montgomery transformed communities through service and justice.
Their final resting place in Oakland Cemetery, Section M, symbolizes two lives lived in harmony--propelling change, nurturing education, and advancing equality--now united in peace.
