About Harry and Eda

Harry Earl Montandon was born December 30, 1916, in Freestone County, Texas and died May 31, 2002. Harry Montandon was an industrious, caring man whose joy was in Christ, his family and helping others. Harry graduated high school from Wortham, Texas and Business College in Palestine, Texas. He moved to Austin in 1935 and entered the insurance and real estate business. On December 14, 1944, Harry married Eda Lisso in the First United Methodist Church of Austin.

Eda was born in Concho County, Texas on April 6, 1926 and died September 20, 2017. She enjoyed telling stories of the West Texas ranch where she lived with her parents and brothers. She enjoyed cooking and gardening with her mother and Grandmother Lisso. Eda told of wonderful summers spent in Pflugerville with her Grandma and Grandpa Goerlitz. She participated in all aspects of running the ranch and considered it was there she learned the values and lessons that would serve her throughout her life.

Eda graduated from Ballinger High School in 1942 at the age of 16, and attended Durham Business College in Austin. While attending school, she worked part time for an Austin real estate entrepreneur named Harry Montandon. He would become the love of her life. They raised one son, and together operated the Harry E. Montandon Real Estate Company. After 53 years, they sold the business to pursue their love of travel and caring for their ranches.

Harry and Eda saw much of the world together. Eda loved entertaining, serving delicious meals prepared with treasured recipes collected from family and friends. She was an avid reader and enjoyed the game of football - attending many Longhorn games.

Eda was a giver. She found worthy causes and supported them wholeheartedly. Eda considered philanthropy part of life's journey and felt as though giving of yourself, your time and your talents, was walking the road to a better place. She felt that when caring about others became a purpose in your life, you were truly living.