Fred Montgomery Armstrong, a long time Ogallala resident, community activist, and former Guiding Star Girl Scout Council Executive Director passed away on January 29, 2008 at the age of 85.
He was born on September 21, 1922 in Ypsilanti Michigan, and he graduated from Howell High School in 1941. In September 1942 he joined the United States Army Air Corps and was assigned to the 8th Army Air Corps as a ball turret gunner for B-17’s and B-24’s. During his military service he flew over 30 missions in Germany, France, Belgium, and Holland including during the D-Day invasion. He was awarded the Air Medal with three oak clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
On October 22, 1944 he married Margaret McNamara. In 1960 he moved to Ogallala where he resided for most of the rest of his life.
He was involved in many activities to benefit the community including serving as the secretary for the Ogallala school board; on the Ogallala Planning Commission; as chairman of the Food Pantry board; and as the Keith County Housing Director. In addition he was the director of a program for school aged children with disabilities (what later became the PAKS program); Commodore of the Ogallala Yacht Club and race chairman of the Governor’s Cup sailing regatta; and a Study Buddy for local school children. He also started the Kites and Castles event at Martin Bay and a Medi-Ride service for cancer patients.
He was a member of the First United Methodist church for 40+ years. He received the District Laity Award in 2002 and represented the local church during the annual Nebraska conference of the Methodist church for several years.
His work with the Girl Scouts included participating on the Camp Committee for Goodall Cedar Point GS camp Lake Ogallala, chairing a fund drive, and serving as the Executive Director from 1964 to 1969.
Despite this lengthy list of accomplishments it hardly scratches the surface of the amazing impact Fred had.
Survivors include his wife Margaret, two daughters, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a brother, six nephews, and four nieces.
Interment will be April 15 in Arlington National Cemetery.
