Walter Thompson Funeral Home Employee
Walter Thompson Funeral Home Employee

Obituary of Walter Lybrand- Thompson Funeral Home Employee

Walter Thomas Lybrand WEST COLUMBIA - Walter Thomas Lybrand, 87, died peacefully on Thursday, August 18, 2011, while surrounded by family. Born July 13, 1924 in West Columbia, he served gallantly in World War II. Serving in General Patton's army, he was wounded in battle and received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. After WWII, he began his professional career with 7Up Bottling Company, Sumter and later moved to West Columbia where he worked in management for Royal Crown Bottling Company. He later made a career change to Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance Company (Thrivent) until retirement and then focused on enjoying the tending of his garden, planting flowers and frequent trips to Maggie Valley, NC. The pace of retirement was too slow for Walter, so, he began a third career with Thompson Funeral Home. He enjoyed caring for families during their time of need and transition and considered it a special ministry. He had an outgoing personality, never met a stranger and had a way of always making people feel comfortable and cared about. He enjoyed a happy and well-lived life in Christ and was affectionately known as "Grand Daddy" to his three grandchildren whom adored him. Walter was a charter member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, West Columbia. He served his church in many leadership roles and his community involvement was far reaching. Walter recently had the privilege of traveling to Washington DC with an Honor Flight group of veterans to tour the WWII memorial and other monuments. It was a highlight of his life. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Evelyn Burns Lybrand, sons and daughters in law, Wayne and Marie Lybrand of West Columbia and John and Vicki Lybrand of Pendleton, a sister, Blanche Lybrand of West Columbia, a granddaughter, Meridyth Lybrand Robinson and husband, Daniel, of Alexandria, VA, and two grandsons, Hampton Lybrand of Mt. Pleasant and Matthew Lybrand of Columbia. He was predeceased by parents, Minnie Corley and Tom Lybrand, and a sister, Irene Lybrand. The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC on Friday, August 19 from 4pm to 6pm. A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, August 20 at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, West Columbia. The Rev. Lance Henderson will officiate the service with burial in Mt. Tabor Cemetery, West Columbia. The family will be at the home of Wayne and Marie Lybrand. Memorials may be made to Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 1500 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia, SC 29169 and Honor Flight of South Carolina, PO Box 292421, Columbia, SC 29229. Family and friends may sign online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com
Share Your Memory of
Walter