E. Kirby Lominack, Sr. PDF Print E-mail

Edward Kirby Lominack, Sr., 91, of Newberry, died Sunday, February 21, 2010, at his home at Springfield Place. Born January 3, 1919, in Newberry, he was a son of the late Robert Meredith Lominack and Ouida Summer Lominack. Mr. Lominack graduated from Newberry High School and Clemson University in Industrial Education and was a member of Iota Lambda Sigma. He worked in Atlanta, GA for Graybar Electric Company and there met the love of his life, Erlene Wheeler, whom he married on December 26, 1941.

He entered the Army Air Force in January 1942. He was promoted to Captain with the 8th Air Force in England 467th Bomb Group. As Squadron Leader he flew thirty-two combat missions over Europe flying B24 bombers and later flew B25 bombers on anti-sub patrol. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, American Theater medal with four bronze stars for air offensive in Europe, Normandy, Northern France and Germany campaigns and the Middle Eastern Theater medal for the European-African Air offensive.

After the service Mr. Lominack returned to Newberry with his wife, Erlene, and son. He worked at Lominacks’ Hardware, Inc. with his father and uncles. He retired after forty years to a life of fishing, traveling, dancing, gardening, painting and woodworking.

He was a lifetime member of Central United Methodist Church in Newberry and a member of the Couples Sunday School Class. He was a member of the Rotary Club and Life Member of Amity Lodge # 87 (Mason) and Hejaz Temple (Shriner). He was an important member of the “College of Knowledge” at the McDonald’s Coffee Club. He was a devoted husband of 65 years to his wife, Erlene, and a caring, loving Daddy, Pop and Pop Pop.

Survivors include a son, Edward K. Lominack, Jr., MD and wife, Almena of Greenville; two daughters, Marsha Lee and husband, Rev. Dennis R. of Spartanburg and Karen Moose and husband, Harry E. of Greer; six grandchildren, Robert, David and Andrew Lominack, Chris McClure, Lorian Norris and Patricia Greene; thirteen great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert G. Lominack. During the last few years Debera Scarborough has been a devoted caregiver and friend to Mr. Lominack. The family wishes to express their appreciation to her and to the friends and staff of Springfield Place.

Burial will be in Rosemont Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at Central United Methodist Church, 1005 College Street, Newberry, conducted by the Reverend Karen Radcliffe. The family will receive friends following the service in Henry Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, PO Box 67, Newberry, South Carolina 29108, Springfield Place Chapel Fund, c/o Herman Melton, 2602 Pond View Circle, Newberry, South Carolina 29108 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by clicking the "Add Condolence" link below.

 

Condolences  

 
#8 R.June Rice-Sindelar 2010-03-18 19:36
To Daughter, Marsha Lominack, I was just thinking of you and saw your Dad's info. God be with you & your family. One of your classmates of NHS 1964.
 
 
#7 Anna Hawkins Hope 2010-02-25 10:47
Dear Eddie, Marsha, and Karen, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Lominack was such a devoted friend to my dad. Know that I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Anna Hawkins Hope
 
 
#6 David Parnell 2010-02-24 18:22
I have only know Mr Lominack for a short period of time. He was a delightful individual always ready with a smile. He will be missed a McDonalds with the other members who shared their thoughts to help me with my duties as the Veterans Affairs Officer for Newberry County. Thanks for the memories.
 
 
#5 Jim Murray 2010-02-24 02:55
I had the pleasure of enjoying Mr Kirby's presence at the McDonald's for several years, and always marveled at his humbleness, quick wit, and aura of peace about him. Our families sympathies are extended to the Lominack family. Jim and Bette Murray
 
 
#4 Sheriff Lee Foster 2010-02-23 23:30
Please let me add my appreciation, respect and admiration for his service to country. Until reading his obituary, I had no idea of his heroic service to our country through the 8th Air Force. This is a segment of WWII that is often forgotten as the most dangerous of any branch of service. This is often overlooked by historians and the media. To have flown 32 missions and survived proves that the armour of God surrounded this fine man. In addition to knowing a true kind gentleman, I had no idea that we had been in the presence of an American Hero. We owe him our thanks for his service.
 
 
#3 Sheriff Lee Foster 2010-02-23 23:22
On behalf of our family, please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of Mr. Kirby. He can be truly classified as a gentleman. His kindness and commitment to family, Church and community will surely be missed. May the Lord's comfort aid and sustain you during this difficult time.
 
 
#2 Jean Parker 2010-02-23 17:27
Dear Ed and Sister and family. What a privilege to have met and known such a fine gentleman. I am grateful for our times together w/all you, Kirby (Erlene) through graduations of Andrew and Kacee from Presbyterian College, wedding activities and especially to view his talent of art. Fondly, Jean Parker (Andrew's MIL) Columbia, SC
 
 
#1 Betty Palumbo 2010-02-23 16:26
What a truly fine man and a privilege to have known Kirby and Erlene. I have beautiful FUN memories of lunches of fresh corn from the garden, and art work that will always hang in my home and love and laughs. Thank you both!