22nd Judicial District Warren Montgomery has passed away at age 67 after a long battle with cancer. He died Friday night.
Montgomery was diagnosed 4 years ago with kidney cancer, which he battled while holding office. However, the cancer spread to his lungs, ultimately resulting in his death.
First elected in 2014, he was re-elected to another 6-year term in 2020, after getting the go-ahead from his doctors that he would be able to handle the role of District Attorney even as he battled cancer. The 22nd Judicial District Attorney serves both Washington and St. Tammany parishes, and Montgomery was a frequent presence in Franklinton, where his Washington Parish office was located.
When Montgomery was elected in 2014, he succeeded Walter Reed, who did not seek re-election after being federally indicted on corruption charges. Reed was eventually convicted and sent to prison. Montgomery was elected in a crowded 2014 race and he came into office promising a clean and scandal-free administration.
He will now be succeeded on an interim basis by First Assistant District Attorney Colin Sims until a special election can be held for the remainder of Montgomery's term, which expires in 2027.
Montgomery was widely respected throughout the 22nd Judicial District for both his efficient administration of the office and his personal sense of integrity.
When originally diagnosed with cancer, he was quoted as saying, “The purpose of life isn’t to win or lose. You do the best you can with what you have, and whatever the result is, you don’t look back. And you’re at peace.”
Warren Montgomery is survived by his wife, Valarie, and his four children. Service arrangements are pending and will be announced.
