Donald Thomas Lyerly

Donald Thomas Lyerly, 76, of Salisbury, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021 at his home. Born May 24, 1944 in Rowan County, he was the son of the late Mary “Sue” Goss Lyerly and Ralph Thomas Lyerly. Mr. Lyerly graduated from South Rowan High School, Class of 1962 and Rowan Cabarrus Community College. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army (Rank E-4) serving from 1966-1969. A welder/machinists by trade, he was Production Manager for Salisbury Machinery before retiring. Prior to that he was employed by Brad Ragan and Cannon Mills. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury, Past Master of Eureka Masonic Lodge #283, A.F. & A.M., the Eureka #277 Order of the Eastern Star, Rowan County Shrine Club where he was Past President and has served as Secretary/Treasurer for the past 20 plus years, served as Chairman of the Annual Paper Drive, Royal Order of Jesters, Scottish Rites, Oasis Temple, Charlotte where he was a member of the Potentate Guard, VFW Post 8989, and was a 50 Year member of the Harold B. Jarrett American Legion Post #342. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 13 years, Linda Hipps Lyerly; daughters, Sheri Foster and husband Russell of Salisbury, Kimberly Starnes and husband Charles of Mooresville; step-daughter, Elizabeth Story and husband Jeff of Lincolnton; grandchildren, Ethan Foster, Jill Sellers and husband Sev, Katherine Starnes and fiance’ Josh Severt, and Thomas Starnes (Madison Brewer); step-grandchild, Ava Marie Story. The family will greet friends from 6-8 PM Thursday (Jan. 21) at Concordia Lutheran Church in the Family Life Center. A Graveside Service will be conducted 10 AM – Friday (Jan. 22) at the Salisbury VA National Cemetery with the Rev. Ken Reed, minister of Concordia Lutheran Church, officiating, with Masonic Graveside Rites and Military Graveside Rites by the NC Army National Guard and the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, Florida 33607, https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc., or the Order of the NC Eastern Star Grand Chapter Scholarship Fund. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Lyerly family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Donald Thomas Lyerly

May 24, 1944 - January 10, 2021