Gene A. Lutey

Gene Lutey (a man of love and service) October 28, 1933 – May 18, 2022

Gene’s profound impact on his family, friends, community and beyond, as well as his accomplishments and accolades cannot fully be expressed in such short words. He loved deeply, gave generously, and worked tirelessly. He was full of life, and his energy was contagious, as was his laugh. We are so proud to call him our husband, dad, Papa Gene, neighbor, coach, and friend.

Born in Waterloo, Montana to Herbert John and Bessie (Morris) Lutey, Gene learned an incredible work ethic at an early age. Losing his father at the age of 10, Gene, along with his siblings, started the days early picking potatoes, caring for the livestock, and finishing the other farm chores before school.  When he wasn’t working or going to school, his hours were spent playing sports.  His work ethic and natural athletic ability made him an outstanding all-around athlete for the Whitehall Trojans.  He excelled at football, basketball, and track.  Gene played in the first 8-man football game in Montana. Additionally, he averaged 23 points a game in basketball and was a multi-event track athlete. In 1953 Gene was recruited by Montana State College where he played for both the Bobcat Football and Track teams. In 2017, Gene was the first individual Athlete to be inducted into the Whitehall Trojans Athletics Hall of Fame, along with the entire 1950’s boys basketball team.

Gene moved to Anaconda in 1955 to work at the smelter. In 1959, Gene married Donna, the love of his life.  Together, they owned and operated Lutey’s Furniture for 35 years. They also owned a clothing store, a gas station, and at one time, even a furniture manufacturing business with their close friends Al and Dolores Messer.  Gene kept his entrepreneurial drive throughout his life, running a small store in the Chamber of Commerce, flipping his newest garage sale find, and working on his latest fixer-upper project.

Gene was a volunteer and leader for many organizations, to name a few: Active and Past President of the Anaconda Chamber of Commerce, Active and Past President of Kiwanis, Elk’s Club Member, and Metcalf Center Board of Directors.  He won many civic awards such as Citizen of the Year, Small Businessperson of the year, and the Sparkplug Award from the Chamber of Commerce.  With that said, awards were not his motivation, he was a volunteer at heart.  His latest passions, after his family, were assisting at the Metcalf Center and serving youth projects through the Kiwanis Club. He was a self-taught carpenter, electrician, plumber, and all-around handy man.  He shared his talents and skills in service to others. Any organization, school, church or individual in need could depend on Gene.  He coached Little League for 30 years, coaching his children, grandchildren and others in both baseball and basketball.  He was so proud of his grandkids; he loved to travel near and far to watch them compete in volleyball, basketball, track, football and soccer.

Gene is survived by his Wife of 62 years Donna Lutey, five children: Herb Lutey, Laura (Mark) Austin, Dean (Mary Ellen) Lutey, Rhonda (Paul) Greenough, Dannette (Bob) Hill, 12 Grandchildren: Courtney (Mike) Green, Kelsey Austin, Jacob, Hannah and Alyssa Lutey, Stacey (Chris) McClincy, Nichole (Galen) Purfeerst, Jessica (Shawn) Sanford, Melissa, Michael and Holly Lutey, Heather (Kim) Lutey, 5 great grandchildren: Lainey and Luna Green, Anden Purfeerst, Colton Sanford, and Torrence Capps, and 2 Siblings: Nelson Lutey and Helen Garwood.  He also has many nieces, nephews and other relatives too numerous to list.

He is preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Bessie, son Jeffrey and two brothers Glen and Sylvan.

A celebration of life will be held at the Fairmont Pavilion on Sunday, July 3rd, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Metcalf Center or the Kiwanis Club both of Anaconda.