Alejandro (Alex) Franco Montez

ALEJANDRO (ALEX) FRANCO MONTEZ passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday morning, Nov. 22, 2017, at the age of 90. He is survived by his six children, Alex Montez Jr., Gregg Montez, Dr. Carmella Montez Knoernschild (Doug Knoernschild), Marcos Montez (Laura Goodwin Montez), Berardo Montez and Luciana Montez Angelini; his 11 grandchildren, Maura, Alexa and Stuart Montez; Byron and Gabriel Montez; Ciarra and Isabella Knoernschild; Joshua Montez; Autumn and Ashlyn Angelini; Hunter Hammond. Alex was born on Jan. 2, 1927, in Pima, Ariz. At the age of 15, Alex left home to move to Long Beach, Calif. In the early 1950's, Alex moved to Fresno, Calif., where he was a chef at Stan's Restaurant, one of the highest grossing restaurants in the state of California at the time. It was there that he met Jarvis Jean ("JJ") Foster whom he married in 1954. Alex was a pioneering restaurateur, and seeing the opportunities in Northwest Arkansas, moved with his family to Fayetteville, in 1961. Together, JJ and Alex opened Casa Montez Mexican Food Restaurant on College Ave., where another iconic restaurant establishment, Herman's Rib House, still stands today. Alex and JJ brought an authentic, family style Mexican cuisine and hospitality to Northwest Arkansas that remained popular for 27 years. Over the course of the next three decades, Alex opened restaurants in Joplin and Springfield, Mo.; Bentonville and Little Rock, Ark. Alex was passionate about his love of family, cooking for family and friends, music and colorful story telling. Wednesdays were designated as special nights in the Montez home where family and friends would gather, eat an amazing meal prepared by Alex and listen to stories that reflected Alex's keen sense of humor and genuine approach to life. Often the sounds of Dave Brubeck, Stan Getz and Louis Prima could be heard playing in the background. Alex was a beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle and friend. He was loving, generous of spirit and authentic to his core. A family graveside service will be held on the morning of Dec. 16, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Fayetteville, Ark. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to; The Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas, 219 W. 15th St., Fayetteville, Ark., 72701, in memory of Alex F. Montez. Or, online at: www.nwasalvationarmy.org/montezmemorial. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.