Doctor Monte Mac Poen, Regents Professor (Emeritus), American History Educator, Researcher, Truman Library Institute Scholar, Author, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Friend and Mentor; peacefully passed away of natural causes on November 24, 2019 on the eve of his eighty ninth birthday.  Monte lived a rich and eventful life.

Monte was born to John and Garnett Poen on November 25 ^th 1930 in Lake City Iowa.  He joined the US Air Force in 1950 during the Korean War. In 1952 he married Bonnie Diehl in California while still in the military.  They had 3 sons together John Montgomery, Gregory Earl, and Mark Allen. After serving our country, Monte, being the lifelong learner, was focused on advancing his education.

At the end of his undergraduate program at San Jose State University, Monte was encouraged by one of his professors to apply for a federally funded fellowship to study the life and work of President Harry S. Truman. He applied and was awarded the fellowship in 1961. Monte moved his family to Missouri to attend the University of Missouri at Columbia, in pursuit of his PHD.

After graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1966, Monte Poen and family then moved to Flagstaff Arizona to teach Recent American History at Northern Arizona University.  Monte divorced his second wife Janice Collette Higbee before finally meeting his current loving wife Kathryn Louise Walker, they married in 1982. He lived with Katy in Flagstaff until January 2018 when they moved to Sedona Winds Assisted Living.

Monte's career was nothing short of prestigious. He would publish three books on Harry S. Truman, went on a National book tour and was interviewed on the Today Show by Tom Brokaw. Monte said one of the greatest highlights of his life was getting to meet the subject of his life's work, U.S. President Harry S. Truman.  Monte was awarded NAU Professor of the Year in 1984. He achieved Regents Professor (Emeritus) in 1990 and retired in 1995.

Monte loved nature and was an outdoorsman during his years in Arizona; he hiked on the trails of the Grand Canyon many times. He enjoyed fishing, camping and being in the wilderness. He was a passionate traveler and perpetual student of the world. He enjoyed his family and many friends.

Monte was predeceased by two sons Mark and Gregory Poen. He is survived by his sister Betty Lou Piazza, his wife Kathryn Poen, his son John, (Lewetta) Poen, daughter-in-law Donna, (Greg) Poen. Stepchildren Gary Higbee, Doreen Higbee, Bonnie Walker, Marcia Walker, Randy Walker (Kelly), and Grandchildren Andrew (Stefanie), Michael (Anne), Mitchell, Christopher (Adrienne), Melissa, Jason, Nichola, Chris, Christina (Clint), Tara, Nathaniel, Kaitlyn (Andre) and Janelle, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, December 3, 10:00 am in the Norvel Owens Mortuary Chapel, located at 914 E. Route 66 Flagstaff Arizona.  Burial will follow immediately after the service in the Veterans' Section of the Flagstaff Citizen's Cemetery 1300 S. San Francisco Street, Flagstaff Arizona.