Baltas "Gene" Eugene Birkle

Baltas Eugene “Gene” Birkle passed away on November 18, 2013 at the age of 83. He resided at Spring Hills Mount Vernon, Alexandria, VA, after nearly 30 happy years in retirement in Surfside Beach, SC, and more than 50 years as a resident of District Heights, Suitland and Temple Hills, MD. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hattie Lee Birkle (nee Bentley), his parents, Ruby (nee Darcy) and Baltas A Birkle, and several aunts and uncles that were very dear to his heart. He is survived by his much-loved children, Dale Louise Dreer (Duane), Karen Lee Barnhart, and Kent Eugene Birkle (Rene’) and his grandchildren, Amy and Christopher Barnhart, and Jacob Dreer. Gene was a graduate of Maryland Park High School and the University of Maryland (BA, MA). Following college Gene enlisted in the Navy, was awarded the rank of lieutenant, and served during the Korean War as the Executive Officer on the minesweeper, the USS Fulmar, patrolling off the coast of Virginia and the Carolinas. After the war, Gene began his life-long career in civil service at the General Accounting Office (GAO) where he rose to the post of Deputy Director of the Resources, Community and Economic Development Division. He retired in 1986 after more than 30 years of public service. Gene was invested in the Temple Hills community, serving as an active member and treasurer of Corkran Memorial United Methodist Church, and girls’ softball coach for the Temple Hills Rec Center. He loved car trips and spending time with his wife and children, and took to heart the old slogan, “See America First,” traveling with his family to all parts of the United States on summer vacations. He spent every August celebrating his birthday in Ocean City MD, from the time he was an infant until his retirement to South Carolina. A graveside service will take place at 11 AM on Wednesday, November 27, 2013, at Epiphany Episcopal Church Cemetery, 3125 Richie Road, Forestville, MD 20757. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org) or The Ocean Foundation (www.oceanfnd.org ). To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Baltas "Gene" Eugene Birkle please visit our Sympathy Store.