Oct. 1, 2007 ~ Sept. 27,2026
With sadness in their hearts, but comfort in their faith, the family of Zachary Samuel Montes, known as “Zach”, announces that he has gone home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the age of 18 years old. He was born in Lubbock, Texas on October 1, 2007, to his parents, Samuel Arzabel Montes and Toni Marie Montes (Hilburn).
Zach was a small-town guy that was a recent graduate of Sudan High School, Class of 2026. Through school, he made lifelong friends that he still had strong bonds with, they were like brothers to each other. No matter how old he got, Zach was always a momma’s boy in every sense of his life. He was a protector of his family and friends. Family meant everything to him, and he treasured the time spent with them the most. He had an unwavering love for his siblings and together memories were made that they will cherish for a lifetime because he made their days better, just like they did his. His dad will forever cherish the phone calls made to and from where they would lend an ear to each other and make jokes about the job.
Despite Zach only being 18 years old, he was independent and wise beyond his years. Zach loved animals and he had a true passion for the cattle industry. He took pride in working for Friona Feeders and dreamed of one day owning a feedyard of his own. Because Zach was full of ambition, he recently purchased three cows of his own to start his dream with future plans to expand. Zach was hardworking and dependable.
Confidence is a trait that Zach never lacked and he did not spend his time worrying about what everyone else thought. To those who had the pleasure of encountering Zach, they knew him to be fun, loving, and caring. Furthermore, Zach knew no strangers and was an outgoing, well-mannered, and respectful young man. He loved big. Zach was slow to anger, quick to forgive, and he valued the happiness of the people around him. He had an indescribable cheerful peace about him that made him unique. The love he had for Jesus was evident in the way Zach lived his life in patience, kindness, and compassion, and he was never shy about sharing his love for Jesus with others. There was a light inside of him that was evident at an early age that most people do not possess.
Zach was ambitious with big goals. His goals were so grand that he felt like a lifetime was never enough for all the plans he had envisioned. Moreover, Zach was passionate about pursuing a career in law enforcement, specifically, a State Trooper. He went on many ride-alongs with the Littlefield Police Department and he developed relationships there that he held close to his heart.
Those who will cherish his memory are his beloved parents, Samuel Montes of Lubbock, Texas, and Toni Montes and Samuel Garcia of Littlefield, Texas; three siblings, Caleb Montes of Lubbock, Texas, Alissa Montes of Littlefield, Texas, and Carter Garcia of Littlefield, Texas; grandparents, Roger and Delia Hilburn of Lubbock, Texas, and Vince and Gloria Montes of Sudan, Texas; bonus grandparents, Esteban and Sandra Garcia of Idalou, Texas; numerous aunts and uncles, Monica Delgado, spouse, Benny, and their six children, Roger Hilburn and his son, Vince Montes, wife, Jospehine, and their five children, Gloria Stroud and her four children, and Alex Montes, wife, Jessica, and their two children; bonus uncle and aunt, Esteban Garcia, wife, Alexandria, and their three children; and several loving extended family members and friends who were like family.
Funeral services for Zach Montes was held Saturday morning, October 3,2026, at First Baptist Church in Sudan, Texas with Pastor Billy Montes officiating. Burial followed in Sudan Cemetery in Sudan, Texas. Serving as pallbearers were Samuel Montes, Caleb Montes, Roger Hilburn, Samuel Garcia, Carter Garcia, Vince Montes, Alex Montes and Javier Avilla.
The family is requesting that donations be made to the First United Bank (Payable to Toni Montes: Zach Montes Memorial Fund) which will fund a scholarship for someone else to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Arrangements were under the personal care of Hillcrest Funeral Home in Littlefield, Texas.