Montezuma - Jay Anthony Redger, 58, died January 23, 2019 at Weatherford Regional Hospital in Weatherford, Oklahoma.  He was born on June 17, 1960 at Hillsboro, Kansas, the son of Arthur Dean and Wanda Elaine (Nightengale) Redger.

Jay moved to Montezuma with his family in 1961 after the death of his father.  He attended school in Montezuma.  After Jay finished school, he went to spend the summer with his uncle, Jake Redger and family.  He spent several years with them, including moving with the family to Texline, Texas.  Jay often commented on the time he lived with them.

Jay spent a few years working at Montezuma Feedyard.  He decided that it was time to do something different and see the country. Jay took a job with Jon Tyler and spent a few years with a custom harvesting crew.  He later moved back home to Montezuma, which made his mother very happy.

At this point in his life, Jay started a career as a farm and ranch hand.  He loved working with cattle, especially during calving season.  He would often send pictures and comments to his family as the new calves arrived. Jay was very talented and dedicated to his work.  He would often find something that needed to be fixed or replaced and think about it until he found a way to modify it, usually for the better.

Jay enjoyed friendship with his fellow workers and never met a stranger.  Whenever he moved to a new place, the first thing he would do was go around town and introduce himself.  Jay enjoyed giving people a hard time and teasing them.  Many times, he would have to tell them he was just teasing. Jay loved to spend time with his family, taking vacations to Oklahoma to visit them.

Jay is survived by a sister, Diane Peoples and husband Bruce and nephew, Chris Maggard all of Weatherford, Oklahoma; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Teryl Redger; and a nephew Tracy Maggard.

Funeral service will be held at Homeland Mennonite Church, Montezuma on Monday, January 28, 2019 at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow at Homeland Mennonite Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 12:00 to 6:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.