Eugene Henry Dirk, 85, of Las Cruces, New Mexico passed away on February 29, 2024 at Mountainview Hospital.

Gene was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Eugene Henry Dirk and Loretta Karadeema Dirk. He did his undergraduate studies at Penn State and received his PhD in astrophysics from NMSU. He worked at White Sands Missile Range as an astrophysicist and was a supervisor there for many years. He enjoyed reading, going on walks in the mountains and walking to Mesilla. Gene was a member of Peace Lutheran Church. He was a humble and generous man and will be missed greatly.

Gene is survived by his wife Betty (Bailey) Dirk; his brother Scott; his sister Donna; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 1700 Missouri Ave., on Wednesday, March 6th at 10 AM.

Donations in memory of Gene can be made to Penn State University or New Mexico State University.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com