Eugene Louis Andal, of Helena, MT left us suddenly on Tuesday, 10/29/24, after a brief illness. He was 76 years old.

Gene was born on 11/8/1947 in Winner, SD to Edwin Evans and Mona Kilbourne Evans. Merlin and Velma Andal (Parker, SD) adopted Gene and his two siblings, Roger and Marsha, when he was six years old. Later in life he learned of, and reconnected with, a younger half-sibling, Genny McMath (Pierre, SD).

He attended Hurley High School, graduating in 1966. He played football and track while in high school. Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy and began his military service at Port Hueneme and was subsequently deployed to Vietnam. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1969. He then attended college at South Dakota State University for a short time.

Gene married Susan Nielsen in 1974. Together they had three children: Lisa, Justin, and Lynsey. Being raised on a farm gave Gene the foundation for the kind, curious, wise, and hard-working man that he came to be. He was so proud when he acquired his own small farm. Gene began truck-driving and worked for several companies, including DT Klein and Jorgenson Brothers. After several trips across Montana, he moved his family to Helena, MT permanently in 1983. There he worked for Watkins and Shephard Trucking for many years until the late 90's when he decided to attend Montana State University to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a farrier.

Gene's greatest passions in life were children and horses. As a member of Last Chance Chapel ("the cowboy church" in his words), he combined those passions and began a ministry of giving the children of the church horseback rides. He loved to tell people that he drove over three million miles in his life, but he probably walked just as many giving "his kid's" rides. He would not stop until the last kid had gone home. He loved to tell people, with much delight in his voice, that kids would often come down while they were supposed to be in Sunday school! However, he stopped short of admitting that he let them ride instead of sending them back to church!

Gene's love for the Lord and for others was contagious! He shared His love with all those he came in contact with. Gene had an unwavering belief in the Truth that redemption in Jesus is available to all! That showed in the ways that he helped others and believed in people he cared about. He never gave up on anybody that was struggling, in whatever capacity that was. If you needed a friend, he would be there. We know his impact on the church, the community, in Celebrate Recovery, and in the lives of his family and friends will never be forgotten!

Gene is survived by his three children: Lisa Heselius of Helena, MT, Justin (April) Andal of Missoula, MT, and Lynsey McHugh of East Helena, MT; four grandchildren: Zack, Blake, Faith, and Grace; five bonus grandchildren: Natalie, Shyann, Gwen, Zach, and Skyler; two granddogs, Huntley ("Doggie"), and Athena ("Little Doggie" or "Low Rider"); his sister, Marsha Bettner, of Hatfield, PA; half-sister, Genny (Gary) McMath, of Pierre, SD; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents: Father, Merlin Andal (3/16/82), Mother, Velma Andal (11/01/00), Brother, Roger Andal

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, 11/8/24 at 1:00 pm at Last Chance Chapel. In lieu of flowers and condolences in memory of Gene, please make donations to the ministries listed below. Last Chance Chapel (6240 Raven Rd, Helena, MT 59602). For the following Celebrate

Recovery ministries, please make the check out to the church of your choice and put "Celebrate Recovery" in the memo. Helena Valley Baptist Church (1315 Sierra Rd, Helena, MT 59602), South Hills Church of Christ (2294 Deerfield Ln, Helena, MT 59601), Echo Church (2210 Dodge Ave, Helena, MT 59601). Thank you for your support!