With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Cleofas T. Tirre, affectionately known as “Cokie,” who went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 28, 2026, at The Aristocrat in Las Cruces, New Mexico, at the age of 97.

Cokie was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico on April 9, 1929, to Julio D. Tirre and Carolina Tome Tirre. A skilled craftsman and dedicated worker, Cokie served at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) as a sign painter, hand-lettering many of the missiles stationed there. Alongside his father, he also helped paint many of the foundational buildings at New Mexico State University (NMSU). He proudly served his country for many years in the National Guard, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant.

Cokie was a true craftsman and lifelong learner. Back in the day, there was nothing he couldn’t fix with a manual in hand, a little ingenuity, and a lot of patience. Mechanically inclined and self-reliant, Cokie repaired all his own vehicles using repair manuals. In his younger years, he was an avid hunter who cherished hunting trips with his son and nephews. His creative spirit shown through his painting, carpentry, and woodworking. He was known for his love of music, playing his guitar, and his passion for reading across many genres, as well as his legendary homemade menudo and salsa. Warm, witty, and deeply knowledgeable, Cokie possessed a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Whenever praised for his many talents, he would humbly laugh and call himself a “Jack of all trades, master of none.” His infectious laughter and quick humor will be deeply missed. Above all, Cokie was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

He is survived by his brothers, Paul (Rosela) Tirre and Rudy (Angela) Tirre; his sister, Lorenza “Zunky” (Armando) Limon; his children, John (Linda) Tirre, Frank Tirre, Henry (Josie) Tirre, Anita (Mike) McCormick, and Eva (David) Luevano; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Cokie was preceded in death by both his parents, sister, Guadalupe Tirre Escalante, sister, Josephine Tirre Padilla; son, Alfredo Tirre; his wife, Hermelinda Baldonado Tirre; and his grandson, Adam Oshwald.

A prayer vigil will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at St. Genevieve's Church, 100 South Espina Street. Visitation will begin at 9am. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10am with a funeral mass to follow. The Rite of Christian Burial and interment will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your online exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences, log on to https://www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com