Monte Lee DeShan

Monte Lee DeShan of Denton, Texas, passed away on Independence Day, July 4, 2026, in Denton, Texas.

Born in Lubbock, Texas, on February 10, 1962, to Randy and Nancy (Powell) DeShan, Monte grew up in a household full of love, laughter, stories, and adventure. A proud Eagle Scout (Troop 288, Plano), he earned the highest rank in Scouting on August 10, 1977 — a milestone his parents cherished deeply.

He attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he became a proud member of Beta Theta Pi, Delta Rho chapter. His fraternity brothers affectionately called him “Duck,” a nickname that followed him with smiles for decades. Monte graduated from UTA and later became a partner in Ran-Nan, Inc. with his parents.

Monte was an avid comic book collector since his youth and a lifelong lover of classic movies. He was a dedicated Big Brother mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. One of his Little Brothers recently shared, “He was a huge influence in my life. The more I think about it the more I realize I wouldn’t be who I am today without him.” In his later years, Monte was also a committed member of Alcoholics Anonymous, proudly celebrating nine years of sobriety this year.

A Christian, Monte enjoyed Bible studies at the living center where he resided. He had a sharp, dry wit and loved to entertain with humor. When asked what he wanted played at his funeral, he replied without hesitation: “Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, and Don Rickles.” That was pure Monte.

In his final years, Monte moved in with his mother Nancy at the nursing home in Allen, Texas, becoming her roommate and devoted daily caregiver. After her passing, he moved to Denton.

Monte is survived by his brother Jay Brent DeShan and wife Tammy — the sister he never had before — of Cross Roads, Texas; his three nephews — Justin Randall DeShan, Jeremy Porter DeShan, and Jason Donald DeShan (Camille) — who knew him as their beloved uncle; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who became family.

He was preceded in death by his father Randall “Randy” Leroy DeShan, his mother Nancy Ann DeShan, and his brother Todd Powell DeShan.

Monte lived life on his own terms — loyal, resilient, and quietly strong. From the Scout trail to the fraternity house, from comic book pages to classic films, from mentoring young lives to caring for his mother, he showed up for the people he loved.

A celebration of Monte’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Oak Grove Methodist Church, 4725 Farm to Market Rd 720, Cross Roads, TX 76227. An interment service will be held at a later date at the family plot in the Spur, Texas cemetery.

Blee, give Mom, Dad, and Todd a hug for us. We’ll see you down the road, Duck.

We love you, brother.