Gene Cordell, 71

Gene Cordell, born Feb. 10, 1948, in Kalispell, left us suddenly on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, at home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mildred Cordell, and is survived by his brother Richard, plus many cousins and a great many friends.

Gene went into the Marines after graduating Flathead County High School and entered the Marines Nov. 13, 1967, where he served as aviation machinists mate and proudly worked on the radial engines in the Skyraider, which he was very proud of — “The best aircraft ever to fly.”

Upon leaving the Marines, Gene came back home to Kalispell and began working on and building up hot rod cars and selling them. Eventually, he had saved enough money to build his own shop, where he worked as an engine machinist until he retired. Gene fell in love with a young lady from the Philippines, Dalia, bringing her and her family to live with him at his home on Flathead Drive. Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last. So, he spent his last years alone, with his brother and his wife keeping him company. But, he never lost his love for “the most beautiful people in the world.” Through his automotive business, Gene gained a treasure of friends, who will miss him as much as anyone can. Gene was Gene, simply put. There’s no other way to describe him. But, he was loved by a great many people. Gene will be missed by everyone who knew him. Gene’s memorial is going to be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 28 at Central Bible Church, 902 1st Ave. East.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Central Bible Church, as they have programs that help a great many. Sometime next spring, the family will have a burial ceremony at Glacier Memorial Gardens, placing him with Mom and Dad. The local chapter of Vietnam Veterans Of America will hold a flag line after the memorial, in honor of another veteran who has left us.