Lt. Col. Lynn Joseph Verzwyvelt, Sr., US Army (Ret.)

Lynn Joseph Verzwyvelt, Sr., 81, of Columbia, died on Friday, October 17, 2025. Born in Alexandria, LA, on September 13, 1944, he was a son of the late John Amondas Verzwyvelt and Jessie Catherine Scarbrock Verzwyvelt. Lynn graduated from Menard Catholic High School in Alexandria, LA in 1962. He then attended Louisiana State University at Alexandria for 2 years before going on to graduate from Northeast University (ULM) in Monroe, LA in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy. Lynn then went on to obtain a master’s degree in business from Northwestern State University in 1983, while serving in the Army at Ft. Polk, LA. Lynn began his military service in the US Army in 1968 when he began basic training at Ft. Dix, NJ. He then graduated from officer candidate school at Ft. Benning, GA in June, 1969. His first duty station was Camp Kaiser in Uncheon-ni, S. Korea. He then was stationed at Ft. Rucker, AL from 1969 – 1972, serving in Vietnam from Nov. 1972 – Mar. 1973 at Nha Trang. He was restationed to Ft. Bragg, NC from 1973-1977. He then attended the Medical Service Corps Career Course in San Antonio, TX from Jan. 1978 – June 1978. Lynn was then reassigned to Ft. Polk, LA from 1978 – 1984. His final assignment was in Ft. Jackson, SC where he served as the chief of the pharmacy starting in 1984. He retired on July 31, 1988 having attained the rank of Lt. Colonel, after 20+ years of honorable service. Lynn then went on to work for several years at the State Board of Pharmacy as an inspector, writing the Law portion of the state exam for pharmacists while there. His final employment was with the SC State Department of Mental Health working in the pharmacy for several years until he retired. Throughout his life he was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, attaining the level of 4th degree Sir Knight, the highest possible rank. His passions were hunting, fishing, gardening, and cooking. When an event was taking place at St. John Neuman he could be found most of the time in the kitchen, running it with the same level of discipline and detail as he ran his pharmacy in the Army. Famous for his lists of duties to be completed taped to the cabinets. He and his oldest son Lynn instituted the fish fry and Friday evening dinners during the Lenten season at St. John Neuman, using fish caught mostly by himself, Lynn, and his other son Michael. Having been born with a green thumb, anything he planted grew. Tomatoes, peppers, apples, pears, figs and even sugar cane are just a few of the things he could and would grow. Survivors include his wife, Sandra Smith Verzwyvelt; sons, Lynn Joseph Verzwyvelt, Jr. (Gabriela), Michael George Verzwyvelt (Susanne), Bradley John Verzwyvelt (Karen), and Wesley Mark Verzwyvelt (Fiancée, Beth). He is also survived by grandchildren, Michael Titsworth, Freddy G. Segura, Blake A. Arias, Ethan J. Verzwyvelt, Kayden M. Verzwyvelt, Kaitlyn M. Verzwyvelt, and Blakley A. Verzwyvelt. His remaining siblings are his sisters, Jessie Sykes and Mary Secoy. Lynn was preceded in death by his sisters, Gloria DuHadway, Genevieve Smith; and brother, John M Verzwyvelt. A Rosary will be recited at 6 o’clock, Friday evening, October 24th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC with visitation to follow until 8 o’clock. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Verzwyvelt will be held at 11 o’clock, Saturday, October 25th, at St. John Neuman Catholic Church, 721 Polo Road, Columbia, with Fr. Bob Higgins officiating. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery on Monday, October 27th, at 10 o’clock, officiated by Deacon Gerard (Stick) Thibodeaux. Memorials may be made to St. John Neuman Catholic School, 721 Polo Road, Columbia, SC, 29223.

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Lt. Col. Lynn Joseph Verzwyvelt, Sr., US Army (Ret.)

September 13, 1944 - October 17, 2025