Lewis “Lew” Libhart was born on Aug. 24, 1923 in Marietta, Penn. and died on Oct. 31, 2014 in West Columbia, S.C. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Nancy Bartch Libhart. He is survived by his brother Byron Libhart of Lexington, S.C.; his daughters Beth Libhart of Laguna Hills, Calif., and Sally Gyemant (Rob) of Lexington, S.C.; and his grandchildren Emily, Amanda, and Katherine.

A talented high school athlete, Lew earned a basketball scholarship to Franklin and Marshall College. He left school to join the Navy during World War II. Upon his return to civilian life, he was offered a contract to play baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies, but elected to finish his college studies at East Stroudsburg University. However, after graduation, he did play professional baseball for minor league teams including the Highpoint-Thomasville (N.C.) Hi-Toms and the Lancaster (Penn.) Red Roses. In 2002 he was inducted into the Susquehanna Valley PA chapter of the Sports Hall of Fame.

Lew held several industrial relations and management positions with Litton Industries, and after retiring was as a consultant to Rockwell International Corp.

Lew retired with his wife Nancy to Tryon, N.C. in the 1980s and was a member of the Tryon Presbyterian Church. He participated in one of the first Honor Flight programs – a program that honors WWII veterans by flying them to the WW II Memorial in Washington, DC. He was a member of the American Legion and a former member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

The family wishes to thank the staff at NHC Lexington and CARIS Healthcare (Hospice).

A memorial service will be held on Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. at St. Albans Episcopal Church, Lexington, S.C. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CARIS Healthcare. Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.southcarolinacremation.com.