Gene L. Dirr Sr., 87, loving father and grandfather, entered into God's loving care on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 2:20 a.m. at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville. He was born April 29, 1923 in Fort Wayne to Roy and Alma (McClain) Dirr, they preceded him in death. He married his loving wife, Garnet P. Swander on January 19, 1949 in Hamilton. She passed away on August 21, 2010. Gene was a member of the Army Air Corp during WWII. He was one of the brave men to land on the Beach of Normandy and received the Soldiers Medal for Heroism. Gene was a Conductor on the B&O Railroad for 35 years. He was a member of the Garrett Presbyterian Church, Garrett American Legion and United Transportation Union. Gene is survived by a son and daughter in-law, Ty and Cheryl (Freed) Dirr of Garrett and Englewood, Fl; his daughters and sons in-law, Michael and Pam Binz of Garrett and Jon and Lori Custer-Langfeldt of Garrett; daughter in-law, Kathleen Dirr of Kendallville; granddaughter, Jennifer and Mark Claxton of Garrett, granddaughter, Emilie and Phil Reinoehl of Garrett, grandson, Nathan and Holly Binz of Avilla, granddaughter, Cheris and Tim Litton of Fort Wayne, grandson, Brian and Holly Custer of Garrett, granddaughter, Michelle (Rowlison) and Rick Johnston of Garrett, grandson, Steve Rowlison of Garrett, 10 great grandchildren; a brother, Larry Dirr of Fort Wayne and two sisters; Wanda Carpenter of Fort Wayne and Bonnie Creager of Garrett. He was also preceded in death by a son, Gene Dirr Jr. and a grandson, Bruce Custer. A Celebration of Gene's life will take place on Monday, February 28, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home in Garrett with Rev. William Haworth officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A private military graveside burial will take place on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn. Memorials are to the Garrett American Legion or Masses