Obituaries » Dr. Lemont (Monty) B. Kier

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Dr. Lemont (Monty) B. Kier

September 13, 1930 - January 2, 2024

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Lemont B. “Monty” Kier, Phd, age 93, of Taylor, (formerly of Richmond, Virginia), died January 2, 2024 at Green Ridge Care Center. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Martha L. Kier.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in September 1930, son of the late Lemont B., Sr. and Marcella Kehres Kier, Monty was a graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, earned his BA in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Ohio State University, and his Phd from the University of Minnesota. He was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Monty served a short period of time in the Army Reserves where he attained the rank of Major.

Throughout his extensive career, Monty was a college professor, medical research chemist, and a pioneer in the world of medicinal chemistry. He worked well beyond his retirement from Virginia Commonwealth University as a Professor Emeritus and counseled students in their research and writing. In 2004 he was introduced to the Virginia General Assembly with a Life Achievement in Science award. He published hundreds of research papers, articles, and nine textbooks which are still used and cited to this day.

Monty and Martha were fortunate to spend twenty plus summers in Switzerland, exploring the many wonders of Lausanne and the surrounding areas. He traveled extensively throughout his career and enjoyed meeting people of all cultures and collecting foreign currency. He was a self-taught landscape painter and gave many of his paintings away to colleagues and friends over the years. Throughout his life, Monty loved meeting people and building relationships. He had an infectious sense of humor and vivid imagination, keeping his family amused throughout his life and making up stories for his children when they were young. Monty was truly engaged in living life and was interested in everything around him. He often proclaimed that “science is fun.” In later life, he enjoyed simple pleasures; morning walks, visits to local parks, car rides up into the hills of Pennsylvania and interacting with everyone he met throughout the day. Monty kept in close contact with colleagues and was always keeping a close eye on the pharmaceutical industry, even until recently.

Monty was a member of the Langcliffe Presbyterian Church in Avoca and greatly enjoyed the fellowship of the congregation.

Monty will be deeply missed by his beloved twin sister Judy and his younger sister Myra. He is survived by his five children: Lemont, III, Sarah, Andrew (Alla), Peter (Gayle Zook) and Katherine (John Erzar), as well as his wonderful grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with his care. Memorial contributions in Monty’s memory can be made to the donor’s favorite charity.