March 12, 2025
Dear Wentworth Alumni and Friends of Wentworth Military Academy,
On behalf of the Wentworth Military Academy Museum Executive Committee, we join alumni, friends, and the citizens of Lexington, MO, in mourning the passing of our fellow Museum Executive member, Monte William Lauderdale (1949–2025).
Monte was a proud Wentworth graduate, earning his High School diploma in 1967 and his Junior College degree in 1969. As Lexington residents, he and his brother, Dankers Lauderdale (1969), attended Wentworth as day students. Their father, Judge James Lauderdale, taught Business Law at Wentworth for nearly a decade.
In 1973, Monte married his beloved wife, Ruthie “Lemler” Lauderdale. Together, they played a vital role in the Wentworth Military Academy Museum. From the moment the Museum began taking shape, Monte and Ruthie dedicated countless hours to sorting through archives, cataloging historical photos and books, and welcoming numerous artifact donations. They were among the Museum’s earliest and most devoted supporters, and had multiple lifetime memberships in the 1800 Society. Whether working tirelessly in the Museum or taking a well-earned coffee break in the Dragon’s Den, their dedication was unwavering. Even after the Museum officially opened, Monte continued to give tours, sharing the rich history of Wentworth and helping build many of the exhibits that preserve its legacy.
Monte’s impact extended far beyond Wentworth. His leadership and generosity were felt throughout Lafayette County and beyond. A true community servant, Monte was involved in nearly every board and committee imaginable. He served as a former Chairman and Executive Member of the Wentworth Military Academy Museum, President of the Lexington Historical Society, President of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, and was a dedicated board member of the 4Life Center, Margaret Gray Center, Lexington Rotary Club, and Lexington Lions Club. Monte and Ruthie’s selfless contributions enriched countless community events, organizations, and initiatives.
While we grieve Monte’s passing, we are profoundly grateful for the time we had with him. His dedication to Wentworth, its alumni, and the Lexington community made him a beloved member of the Museum Executive Committee. His passion for preserving history and serving others leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire us all.
To honor Monte’s contributions, our Curator, Annie Durigan, has created a special display recognizing the tremendous impact that Monte and Ruthie had on the Wentworth Military Academy Museum and its alumni.
Those who knew Monte best understand that he never sought recognition or praise; he simply did what needed to be done out of love and commitment. As a former Chairman, Monte was entitled to lie in state at the Museum before the Chapel’s beloved stained-glass windows, with a bell tolling of 60 times in his honor. However, he would have protested such a tribute, insisting that his work was never about accolades, but about his service.
And so, with deep respect, and love, we say:
Former Museum Chairman Monte Lauderdale, your time has come to “fall in” and join the formation on that glorious quadrangle in the sky. Where one day, all Old Boys of Wentworth Military Academy will reunite in a Kingdom high above Lexington.
May your service, dedication, and love for Wentworth continue to inspire us as we strive always to…
“ACHIEVE THE HONORABLE.”
James L. Lowman
Chairman and Co-Founder
Wentworth Military Academy Museum, Inc.
WMA Classes of 1995 and 1997
George J. Hittner
Chairman Emeritus and Co-Founder
Wentworth Military Academy Museum, Inc.
Co-Chairman and Co-Founder,
WMA Museum Endowment Trust, Inc.
WMA Classes of 1992, 1995 and 1997