Luther Earl Kibler 96 of Boiling Springs SC died Thursday October 17 2013 at White Oak Estates-Spartanburg SC. Born January 7 1917 in Newberry SC he was the son of the late William Luther and Mary Lavinia Ruff Kibler. Visitation was 12:00-1:00 PM Sunday October 20 2013 at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel 2075 E. Main St. Spartanburg SC 29307. Funeral services did follow at 1:30 PM at the Chapel conducted by Pastor Michael Shackelford. A graveside service was also be conducted at 4:00 PM Sunday in St. Phillips Lutheran Church Cemetery 2461 St. Phillips Church Rd. Newberry SC 29108 by Pastor Terry Amick. Prior to World War II Earl was a strong baseball fan participating in textile league baseball in Newberry and Union Counties. He developed a lifetime love of baseball especially following University of South Carolina and Atlanta Braves teams. Pearl Harbor and the onset of WWII changed everything. Two days after Pearl Harbor on December 9 1941 Earl married Vermelle the beginning of a 71 year marriage. Soon he was accepted into the Army Air Corps (precursor to the US Air Force) and received Air Corps Technology Training for P-40 fighter planes and Rolls Royce engines at Cambridge England. He was proud to have served his country for 42 months and enjoyed sharing stories of that adventure at many family gatherings over the years. As a child of the depression and participant in the European theater of WWII he developed a strong work ethic and was an exemplary member of "The Greatest Generation". Earl worked many years as District Manager of Greenville News covering much territory of upstate SC and into NC. Being a life-long Lutheran he was an active member of several Lutheran churches and served for many years as Treasurer of Atonement Lutheran Church Laurens SC. He enjoyed being outside and maintained a productive garden well into his 90's. He will be deeply missed and remembered for his commitment to God country family and friends for his optimistic outlook funny stories witty comments to hospital staff and his true love of life. Earl's family extends deep appreciation for the excellent medical care given over the years by Cardiology Consultants and Spartanburg Medical Group and for the love and support given to Earl and Vermelle by pastors members of St. John's and their dear Boiling Springs neighbors. Survivors include his cherished wife of 71 years Vermelle Wilson Kibler; son Larry E. Kibler MD (Dale) of Spartanburg SC; granddaughter Kristen Kibler Moldenhauer (Max) of Mt. Pleasant SC; grandson W. Scott Kibler DMD (Katie) of Charleston SC; great-grandson Owen L. Moldenhauer of Mt. Pleasant SC; and the anticipated birth of his great-granddaughter Baby Girl Kibler of Charleston SC. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by seven sisters and one brother all of Newberry. Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church 415 South Pine Street Spartanburg SC 29302; or St. Phillips Lutheran Church 2461 St. Phillips Church Road Newberry SC 29108. The family is at their respective homes. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel.