Thomas Edward Zirbel

The funeral for Thomas Edward Zirbel, 94, of Athens will be 3:00 PM, Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at Sardis Springs Baptist Church with BrotherTim Keenum and Brother Keith Crouch officiating. Anthony Zirbel will read the eulogy. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00-2:45 PM Tuesday, prior to the service, at the church. Mr. Zirbel passed away Sunday, July 19, 2020, at Floyd E. 'Tut' Fann Veterans Home, Huntsville.

Mr. Zirbel was born September 26, 1925, in Harvest. Alabama, to William Frederick (Bill) Zirbel and Annie Raby Zirbel. He was a WWII US Navy veteran, worked 33 years for the US Postal Service until his retirement at age 55, and worked another 35 years at McConnell Funeral Home. He farmed in his spare time, travelled extensively throughout the United States, enjoyed camping with friends and family, and spending winters in Florida. He was a member and faithful servant of Sardis Springs Baptist Church for 71 years, and, upon his death was the last WWII veteran member of the church.

He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Crouch Zirbel, parents, his brother, Howard (Sonny) Zirbel,and his eldest son, Clifton Edward Zirbel. He is survived by sons Thomas Larry Zirbel and wife, Merian, of Athens; Frederick Dale Zirbel and wife Kay of Huntsville; John Mark Zirbel and wife Sharon of Athens; sisters, Elizabeth (Sister) McCown and husband, Alfred; Jean Powers, Annie Ruth Dorning, and sister-in-law Annette Zirbel; 6 grandchildren, Chris Zirbel and wife Michelle; Zane Zirbel, Amy Zirbel Dison, Lindsey Zirbel McConnell and husband Danny, Shana Zirbel Smith and husband, Crutcher, and, John Zirbel, Jr. and wife Ericka; 12 great-grandchildren, Cole, Cooper, and Audrey Zirbel, Julie Dison, Andrew, Alexander, and Austin McConnell, Sullivan and Trip Smith, Emily Frances, Maggie and Willa Claire Zirbel; 3 step-grandchildren, Seth Johnson and wife Jill, Michael Johnson and wife Kelli, Jami Peyton and husband Mike; 7 step-great-grandchildren, Andrew Dickson, Maggi Peyton, Nate and Nora Johnson, and Anna, Ava and Will Johnson; several nieces and nephews, and a host of special friends.

Pallbearers will be Zane Zirbel, John Zirbel, Jr., Cole Zirbel, Cooper Zirbel, Danny McConnell and Crutcher Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Newby, Jerry Newby, Grady Berzett, and Lawrence Holt. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sardis Springs Baptist Church or the Limestone County Veterans Museum.