Marc Alan Montray, 68, of Catoosa, OK, passed from this life on February 24, 2024 after a four year long battle with cancer.


The first thing to say about Marc is that he loved trains and everything related to them.


He was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1955, in Des Moines, IA, to Ed and Jeane Montray. Marc’s family settled in Tulsa, where he graduated from Memorial High School, class of 1973. He was a proud member of the legendary high school marching band, The Big Blue Machine. As a member of their drum line, he played the tim-toms. He also played baritone saxophone and several other reed instruments in the band, the jazz band and others.


Marc had many jobs in his early life. One of his favorites was making and delivering ice cream. He ultimately became a Field Service Technician for large industrial air compressors. These were often situated near railroad tracks and he was able to combine his love of trains with his work.


While living in Texas, he was honored to work with the restoration of the steam locomotive Texas and Pacific #610 for the 1976 Freedom Train, then crew with her for a part of the trip.


Marc was a long time active member of The Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society. Many close friendships began in this group and continued to grow and flourish.


Marc was an accomplished railroad photographer who has been published in several books and magazines. He was able to work with and photograph many of the most recently running steam locomotives, such as the Challenger, 844 and Big Boy. His hobbies also included model railroading, studying railroad history and maps, especially railroad maps. He also had a few cats.


He was very active in Operation Lifesaver, a non-profit organization teaching railroad crossing safety.


Marc is survived by his wife of 37 years, Victoria Montray, his son Casey Montray [his wife Cassandra and their daughter Katelyn Montray], his daughter Brandy Bundy [her husband Darin and their sons Nathan Bright, Tate Bundy and Jason Bundy], his mother Jeane Montray-Morris, his sister Alicia Davis [her husband Buddy and children], Marc’s brothers Jeff Montray [his children] and Brett Montray [his wife Kristy and children].


A Celebration of Life Service was held in Catoosa, OK, at Rice Funeral Service & Cremation Care beginning at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 8, 2024.


In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City.


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