Christopher “Chris” David Montez of Plano, Texas passed from this life August 30, 2021 at the age of 46.
Chris grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. He attended Tanglewood Elementary School, Stripling Middle School and graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1993. He excelled academically and enjoyed playing football for Heights. After high school, Chris attended Texas Christian University (TCU) and in 1998 graduated with a BA double major in mathematics and philosophy. Chris then attended law school at the University of Texas School of Law in Austin and graduated in 2001 with his Doctor of Jurisprudence. After law school, from 2001-2002 he served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Bill Vance of the 10th District Court of Appeals in Waco, Texas. After his clerkship, Chris then worked for Darrell Keith as a “book lawyer” at the Law Firm of Darrell Keith, PC from 2002-2003. In 2003, Chris joined the Dallas law firm of Thomas, Feldman & Wilshusen, LLP (TFW) as an associate attorney. In 2009, he was made a partner of TFW. After 14 successful years at TFW, Chris left there to open up his own law practice, The Law Firm of Christopher D. Montez, PLLC. His practice focused on construction law, commercial litigation, and employment law. Chris was a proud member of the ABA Forum on Construction Law. He served on the Governing Committee, as a past Chair of Diversity & Inclusion, as a Division Chair, and in numerous other roles. Chris also proudly served as General Counsel to the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association (RHCA) since 2006. Along with these important roles, Chris always had a listening ear for anyone who needed his valued advice and guidance.
On March 25, 2006, Chris married the love of his life, Beth Ann McKinney. They enjoyed traveling, going on dates, and just being together. They were true soul mates and best friends. They recently added their black lab Daisy, to the family.
When Chris wasn’t devoting time to his law practice, he also enjoyed traveling to various ABA functions with Beth Ann. Chris was also a devoted fan of his TCU Horned Frogs and UT Longhorns. He always enjoyed a round of golf with his buddies.
Chris can best be described as a brilliant attorney, but also a kind soul. He was strong yet gentle, and conducted himself with integrity, kindness, joy and passion. Chris was truly as fine of a human being as you will ever meet. Chris was baptized and became a member of the Waterview Church of Christ where he enjoyed serving and teaching Bible class with Beth Ann.
Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Beth Ann Montez of Plano; mother, Linda Montez of Fort Worth; sister, Becky Jimenez of Fort Worth; sister, Catherine Saldana and husband, Frankie of Fort Worth; mother-in-law, Judy McKinney of Plano; brother-in-law, Britt McKinney and wife, Keri of Prosper; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Robert Montez; grandparents, Manuel “Pepo” and Janie “Memo” Briseno Martinez; father-in-law, Mike McKinney; chocolate lab buddy, Taz.
The family will receive guests during a visitation on Thursday evening, September 9, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Waterview Church of Christ, 1409 North Waterview Drive, Richardson, Texas 75080 in the chapel.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 10, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the Waterview Church of Christ main auditorium. Following this service, there will be a procession to Ridgeview Memorial Park (Turrentine Jackson Morrow) 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013 for a committal service.
In memory of Chris, The Christopher D. Montez Foundation has been set up to continue helping others in his honor.