E. Kirby Lominack, Sr.

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 8 ^th Air Force in England 467 ^th 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 life tim e 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.

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