Obituaries - Death Notices - Funeral Cards

November 9, 2001 Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Abbie Owens Combs
      Mrs. Abbie Owens Combs, 98, of Middletown, died Thursday, Nov. 8, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital.
      Born March 3, 1903, to Thomas and Armelda (Combs) Owens in Knott County, Ky., she was a member of the First Baptist Church.
      She was preceded in death by her husband, Fulton F. Combs in May 1986, her father, Thomas Owens, mother, Armelda Owens, two sons, Harold and Jimmy Combs; a great-grandson; and 12 brothers and sisters.
      Survivors include two sons, David (Lucille) Combs of Middletown and Douglas (Leona) Combs of Middletown; a daughter Mazie (Lyle) Taylor of Escondido, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Esther Combs.
      Arrangements: Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home with the Rev. Pastor Charles Wolfinbarger officiating and burial at the Butler County Memorial Park in Wayne Township. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

July 4, 2001 Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Albert W. Combs
      Albert Willis Combs, 82, of Middletown, died Monday, July 2, 2001, at Garden Manor Retirement Village.
      He was born on March 4, 1919, in Hindman Ky., to Spencer and Jane (Mullins) Combs.
      Mr. Combs served his country in the Army during World War II. He was a staff sergeant with Company E 143^rd Infantry Regiment, 36^th Infantry Division, serving in Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Africa. His decoration and citations include European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, with one Silver Star; Good Conduct Medal; and a World War II Victory Medal.
      After the service, he married Mattie Geraldine (Rose) Combs in 1946. July 20^th would have been their 55^th wedding anniversary. Mr Combs worked for Inland Container as a printer for 30 years.
      He is survived by his wife, Mattie Geraldine Combs; four sons, Quintin (Deborah) Combs of Madison Township, Vic (Carolyn) Combs and David (Sue) Combs, both of  Haverhill, Mass., and Brian Combs (Cristy) Combs of Middletown; one daughter, Jan (Blake) Freeze of Middletown; brothers Claude (Reona) Combs of North Port Fla., and Truman (Sadie) Combs of Pekin, Ill.; a sister, Clara Martin of North Port, Fla.; and six grandchildren.
      He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Clyde Spencer Combs; a brother, Samp Combs; and a sisters, Ruth Combs, Oma Robinson and Maxine Collins.
        Arrangements: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 6, at Wilson-Schramm-Spalding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., at Bonita, Middletown, with Pastor Mark Jackson officiating. Visitations will be Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m.. Interment will be at Elk Creek Cemetery in Madison Township. Military honors will be conducted by the Honor Guard of American Legion Post 218.

December 13, 1961 Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Andrew Combs, 72, Dies; Resident Here 50 Years
    Andrew Combs, 72, died at 11:25 p.m. yesterday at his home at 2012 Queen Ave. He had been failing in health 18 years.
    Before illness forced his retirement, Mr. Combs was employed in the west processing department of Armco Steel Corp.
    He was a resident of Middletown for 50 years, coming here from Lee Co. Ky. He was a member of the Nazarene Church of God at Trenton.
    Surviving are his wife, Bessie; five daughters, Mrs. Charles Phillips of Monroe, and Mrs. Willie Combs, Mrs. Clyde Hines, Mrs. James Yancer and Miss Nancy Combs, all of Middletown: five sons, Charles, Clayton, Ray, Donald and Jerry, all of Middletown; two sisters, Mrs. Willie Neal of Dayton and Mrs. William Young of Buckley, Wash.; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
    Friends may call at the funeral home tomorrow from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.

January 10, 1980  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Arch Combs
      TRENTON – Arch Combs, 73, of 3 Brelsford Ave., died yesterday afternoon at Middletown Hospital after a long illness. He had been a patient in the hospital since Dec. 15 and had been ill for the past year.
      Mr. Combs was a native of Owsley County, Ky., and moved to Trenton about 13 years ago. He spent most of his life as a truck driver for the state of Kentucky. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a member of the First Baptist Church of Trenton.
      Survivors include his wife Dorothy; two sons, James of Hamilton and Estill of Trenton; a daughter, Mrs. Clarice Moore of Trenton; two brothers, Raymond Combs of Hamilton and Harry Eversole of Booneville, Ky.; three sisters, Mrs. Anna Hobbs and Mrs. May Belle Nickell, both of Hamilton, and Mrs. Virgil Allen of Loveland; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
      Services will be at the Wilson-Schramm Memorial Home in Middletown at 2 p.m. Saturday with the Rev. Bill Isaacs officiating. Burial will be in Hickory Flat Cemetery near Trenton. Friends may call at the memorial home from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday.

June 26, 1998  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Archie Combs
      Archie Combs, 67, of Durblin House, Middletown, died Wednesday, June 24, 1998, at Middletown Regional Hospital.
      He was born in Breathitt County, Ky., on Dec. 13, 1930, and lived here for five years. Mr. Combs had worked as a truck mechanic.
      Among his survivors are three sons, Doug and James Matthew Combs both of Middletown, and Archie Timothy Combs of Eaton; a daughter, Rebecca Hueitt of Crows Landing, Calif.; two sisters, Frances Noble of Chicago, Ill., and Stella Mae Fugate of Kentucky; several aunts and uncles in Breathitt Co. Ky., nine grandchildren, Shane, Doug, Leah, Ashley, Chandra, Chad, Jake, Crystal and Robbie; and seven great-grandchildren, James, Phillip, Cora, Shane Ray, Kabrea, Kayla and Taylor.
      He was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Rebecca Combs; and a granddaughter Shannon.
      Arrangements: A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 29, at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. There will be no visitation.

October 19, 1938  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio
Grocer Dies of Heart Disease
Arthur Combs Found Dead Wednesday Morning

      Arthur Combs, 55, Charles Street grocer, was found dead in bed at 5:30 A.M. Wednesday at his home, 1813 Casper Avenue, a victim of heart disease. His sister-in-law, Mrs. Sarah Combs, went to his room to awaken him and found him dead.
      The business man worked as usual at his store Tuesday, complaining of illness Tuesday night when he was attended by a physician. His death was a surprise to the family and his customers.
      Before coming to Middletown two years ago, the grocery proprietor was a resident of West Bend, Ky., to which city his body will be removed for burial. He had established a large patronage in the neighborhood of his store and was well known in the district.
      Surviving him are one sister, Mrs. Ferinda Critchfield, of Indianapolis; one brother, Clinton Combs, of Madison, Ind., and the sister-in-law and nephew, Clarence, who made their home with him.
      The Rev. Jeff Everman, of Stanton, Ky. will have charge of the funeral. The body will be taken to West Bend at 10. P.M. Wednesday. Friends may call at the home before that time.

June 2, 1972  Middletown Journal , Middletown, Ohio 

Arthur C. Combs
      Arthur C. Combs, 65, of 6740 Aljen Road, was dead on arrival at Middletown Hospital Thursday at 5 p.m. he was working in the garden at his home when he collapsed.
      Mr. Combs retired last year after being employed since 1943 by Armco Steel Corp.
      Surviving are his wife, Floris; two sons, Ronnie and Robert of Columbus; three sisters, Mrs. Lavelle Perkins and Mrs. Opal Agnew of Somerset, Ky., and Mrs. Alma Johnson of Winchester, Ky.; a brother, Albert of Hazard, Ky.; and three grandchildren.
      Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Riggs Funeral Home, with the Rev. Franklin Woods officiating. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.
      Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.       

May 19, 1919 Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Artie Combs
Mrs. J. W. Combs
      Death relieved the sufferings of Mrs. J. W. Combs when she passed away at her home on Hughes Street yesterday morning. She is survived by the husband and two children and to them the sincere sympathy of all is being extended during their hour of bereavement. The remains will be shipped to Mt. Sterling, Ky., and interment made there.

July 8 to July 15, 2007  Western Star, Lebanon, Ohio
 
Earl COMBS, 61 Of Morrow, died June 29, 2007. Visitation July 2, 12-2 PM, with funeral service immediately following, all
at the Vale-Hoskins Funeral Home, Morrow.

July 5 to July 12, 2007   Mason Pulse-Journal, Mason, Ohio

Earl COMBS, 61 Of Morrow, died Friday June 29, 2007. Born December 29, 1945 in Winchester, KY to Robert and Parriett (nee: Campbell) Combs, he was a member of the Morrow United Methodist Church. He owned and operated Combs Construction for many years. Preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, William, Artis, Harrison, and Andrew Combs, and two sister, Carolyn Rodeffer and Alma Dean Combs, survivors include his wife of 40 years Rita (nee: Tolliver) Combs
of Morrow, one son, Ralph Albert (Sherry) Combs of Clarksville, three sisters, Rebecca Wright of Tennessee, Ora Bennett of Wilmington, OH, and Norma Combs of Kettering, OH, and three grandchildren, Colton, Avery, and Caiden. Visitation, Tuesday July 2, 12 Noon till 2 PM, with funeral service immediately following, all at the Vale-Hoskins Funeral Home, Morrow. Interment followed in Morrow Cemetery. Reverend Steve Hoard officiated. Memorials requested to the Hospice
of Cincinnati
 

July 29, 2011  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Eliza B. COMBS, age 81, of Middletown, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at Atrium Medical Center. She was born in Wooten, Kentucky and lived in Middletown most of her life. She was a homemaker, a fantastic cook, enjoyed vegetable gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, Sam and Stella (Steels) Begley; her husband, James Combs in 2003; one daughter, Gail Hacker in 2010; one son, Bud Combs in 1984; two brothers, Don and Harvey Begley; and two sisters, Oma Melton and Hazel Van Pelt. She is survived by one son-in-law, Charles Hacker; four grandchildren, Liz Lawson, husband Steve, Charlene Hacker-Calhoun, husband John, Lesley Walizer, husband Tony, and Charlie Hacker; eight great grandchildren, Miranda, Blakely, Casey, Harper, J.C., Maddie, Abbie, and Katie; two brothers, Woodson Begley, wife Inis, and Dave Begley, wife Charlotte; two sisters, Zola Rice and Jessie Sizemore, husband Rowie; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Monday, August 1, 2011 from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown, followed by services at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Dan Flory officiating. Interment will be at North Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, Ohio. Arrangements by Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown.
 

August 25, 2010  Hamilton Journal News, Hamilton, Ohio

Elizabeth Darlene COMBS, age 55 of Fairfield passed away at the Drake Center on Monday, August 23, 2010 at 8:50 PM. She
was born in Hamilton on May 12, 1955, the daughter of Mary (Woods) Cornett and Arvel Hall. Elizabeth was employed as a waitress at the Hickory Hut and Waffle House for many years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister whose life revolved around her family and always believed in the phrase "pretty is as pretty does." On June 12, 1971 in Hamilton she was married to Larry Combs. She is survived by her husband Larry Combs of Fairfield; a son, Van Combs of Fairfield; two daughters, Vanessa Bond of Hamilton and Mary Elizabeth Williams of Hamilton; her step-father, Danny Cornett of Hamilton; six grandchildren, Sharon, Weston, Shannon, Shelby, and twins Jaime and Jesse; six brothers, Arvel (Charlene) Hall of Hamilton, Alfred Hall of Hamilton, Tony (Karen) Hall of West Chester, Arturo (Dawn) Hall of Cincinnati, Alvin Hall of Tennessee, and Arnold (Tellie) Hall of St. Petersburg, Florida; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral service will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 330 Pershing Avenue, on Friday, August 27, 2010 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Jack Wesley officiating. Burial will follow in Butler County Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
 

November 14, 2004,  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Elizabeth COMBS, age 88, of Middletown, passed away Saturday, November 13. Services pending. Dalton Funeral Home, Germantown.

November 17, 2004,  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio
Family-Placed Obituary

Elizabeth "Liz" COMBS, age 88, of Middletown, OH, passed away, Saturday November 13, 2004 at Middletown Regional Hospital. Elizabeth was born April 15, 1916 in Hazard, Kentucky to the late James and Queen Victoria Noble. She was a member of the Middletown Senior Citizens, 4 F's and the Jolly 60's at Grace Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Ashford Combs (1973); a grandson, Curtis; 3 sisters, Addie Gayhart, Beth Ann Henry and Malvery Brown; a brother, Jake Noble; a son-in-law, George Gentry (2002) and her daughter-in-law, Lynn Combs (1975). She is survived by 2 daughters, Hazel Gentry of Germantown, OH and Patsy (Thomas Lamb) Moore of Franklin, OH; 5 sons, Alex (Linda) Combs of Florida, Adrian (Jackie) Combs of Hamilton, OH, Alvery (Diane) Combs of Franklin, OH, Omer (Brenda) Combs of Somerville, OH and Thomas (Laura) Combs of Middletown, OH; 17 Grandchildren and 18 Great-Grandchildren; her brother, John C. Noble of Washington Court House. Friends may call 10 a.m.-12 Noon (2 hours prior to service) Thursday at the Dalton Funeral Home, Corner of State Route 4 & Weaver Rd., Germantown, where the Funeral Service will be held 12 Noon Thursday, with Pastor Nolan Phillips officiating. Burial Highland Cemetery. Miamisburg, OH.
 

by
Vivian  Moon
2 May 2007

October 1, 2007    Middletown Journal,  Middletown, Ohio 

Eugene COMBS, age 81, of Franklin, Ohio died Sunday September 30, 2007 at Franklin Ridge. Eugene was born in
Owsley County, Ky. on February 7, 1926 to Lewis and Jane (Thompson) Combs. He was employed as a paper bailer
with Miami Coating Mill in Franklin for 35 years. Eugene was preceded in death by his wife, Cleta Fern Combs
(1990); parents; six brothers Claude, Leroy, Rollie, Kelly, Clyde, and Dale Combs; and a sister Ruby Ledford. He is
survived by a son Gene Combs of Franklin; a brother Dallas Combs of Ky.; a sister Lola Clark of Franklin; and a
sisiter-in-law Phyllis Jean Combs Murphy of Franklin. The family would like to give a special thank you to Franklin
Ridge for all the love and care given to Eugene. Funeral services are Wednesday October 3, 2007 at 2pm at
Anderson Funeral Home 1357 E. 2nd St Franklin, OH with Rev Charles Denny officiating. Burial will be in
Woodhill Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12pm until the time of the service. Memorial contributions can
be made to Hospice of Dayton.
 

July 25, 2009   Hamilton Journal-News, Hamilton, Ohio

Eula J. COMBS, age 82 of Hamilton passed away Thursday July 23, 2009 at Hospice of Hamilton. She was born January 16,
1927 in Booneville, Kentucky the daughter of the late Walker and Bertha (Lynch) Young. On December 17, 1943 in Kentucky
she married Carl Combs, who preceded her in death in 1994. Mrs. Combs was a member of New Liberty United Baptist Church
and the Order of Eastern Star. She dearly loved her children. Mrs. Combs is survived by one son Jerry (Seleta) Combs;
one daughter Donna (Rick) Green; five grandchildren Mike (Jen), Jerry (Trish), Scott (Erin), Rick (Patty), and Amy (Jake);
eleven great grandchildren Brodie, Gavin, Hunter, Heather, Samantha, Casey, Lacon, Jordan, Gunnar, Olivia, and Ben; one
brother John W. (Betty) Young, and one sister Joann (Wayne) Thomas. She was also preceded in death by two brothers
Howard and Ralph Young. Visitation at THE WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME 3080 Homeward Way at Rt. 4, Fairfield, Monday
July 27, 2009 from 11:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 PM, with Rev. Dennis Fields, officiating. Burial to
follow in Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions would be appreciated to Hospice of Hamilton, 1010
 Eaton Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45013
 

by
Vivian  Moon
2 May 2007

October 26, 2011  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Eunice COMBS, age 84, of Somerville, OH, died Tuesday, October 25, 2011. Eunice was a member of the Church of God
 in Jesus in Middletown. Survived by Husband of 63 years: Herman Combs; Son & Daughter-in-law: Timothy W. &
Shawnda Combs; Sisters: Beulah Blevins and Bessie Williams; Step-Sister: Ruth DeHart; Brother: Herman L. Baker;
Grandchildren: Dylan Combs, Gabriel Combs, Toria Trenum and Jessica Reece. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m.
on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at the Church of God in Jesus, 5604 West Alexandria Road, Middletown, OH with Pastor
Arnold Brewer officiating. Entombment will be held in Butler County Memorial Park. Family will receive friends on Thursday f
rom 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church. Arrangements Entrusted to Nein - Barnes Funeral Home, Camden, OH.
 

May 13, 2005   Hamilton Journal-News, Hamilton, Ohio  

Eva Howard COMBS, age 83 of Fairfield, Ohio died May 10, 2005. She was born on February 24, 1922, in Jackson,
Breathitt County, Kentucky, the daughter of Earl and Media Howard. She graduated from Lee's College and Miami University
of Oxford. She was a first grade teacher for 30 years with the Fairfield City Schools before retiring in 1979. On March 17, 1946
she married Ballard Buddy Combs who preceded her in death on September 21, 1998. She is survived by her son, Buddy
Combs and his wife Lynda of Fairfield; three granddaughters, Heather (Jack) Sawmiller of Lima, Ohio, Cara (Steve) Kerchner
of Fairfield Township, Christi Combs and friend Eric Merkle of Morrow, Ohio and great-granddaughter, Jenna Sawmiller. She
was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Ray and Forest Howard and sisters, Sue Story and Roberta
Howard. She was a warm, gentle, and caring individual to all of those involved in her life. Private family services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Kowalk Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
 

October 2, 2010  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Florence (nee: Riley) COMBS, age 91, of Middletown, passed away Friday, October 1, 2010 at Rittenhouse Senior Living of Middletown. She was born January 23, 1919 in Altro, KY to Dan and Mima (Turner) Riley. She was admitting registrar for Middletown Regional Hospital for 17 years, retiring in 1983. Florence was a member of Yankee Road First Church of God. Florence had a passion for gardening and loved to take simple car rides, but most important to her was her family. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband: Gentry Combs; son: Daniel Park Combs; grandson: Mark Edward Young, Jr.; siblings: Mary Garrett Alderson, Bitha Morris, Huey Riley, Flossie Mynhier Profitt, Florida Eldridge. Florence is survived by her daughter: Sheree Young and husband Jeff Jarrett; grandchildren: Cara (Jared) Wagner, Alenna (Kurt) Pennington, Kaley (Kyle) Zech; great-grandchildren: Noah Wagner, Lucas Pennington; best friend and sister-in-law: Eula Combs and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Monday, October 4, 2010 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Baker-Stevens-Parramore Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Rodney Williams officiating. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Help Endure A Loss, 1 Medical Center Drive, Middletown, OH 45005..
 

April 13, 2005  Hamilton Journal-News, Hamilton, Ohio

Harlan COMBS, age 77, of Hamilton passed away in University of Cincinnati Hospital on Sunday, April 10, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. He was born in Breathitt County, Kentucky on October 13, 1927, the son of Robert and Ella (Deaton) Combs. Harlan attended the Princeton Pike Church of God and was employed as a maintenance mechanic for Hamilton Foundry for ten years, retiring in 1977. In 1948, in Hamilton, he was married to Betty Barnes and she preceded him in death; in 1954 in Hamilton, he was married to Luceal Johnson and she preceded him in death; in 1978 in Hamilton, he was married to Helen Cope. He is survived by his wife, Helen Combs of Hamilton; three sons, Michael Combs of Breathitt County, Kentucky , Robert Combs of Booneville, Kentucky and Donald (Linda) Combs of Batavia, Ohio; two daughters, Pamela (Gene) Campbell and Cindy (Willie) Riley, both of Hamilton; one brother, Hager Combs of Hamilton; one sister, Bessie Asher of Buckhorn, Kentucky; nine grandchildren, Jerry Combs, Walter Combs, Jason (Katie) Campbell, Chris Campbell, Stacy (Dion) Kendall, Faith Hubbard, Angie (Jeremy) Han, April (Jack) Ehrhardt and Barbara (Chris) Rice and also six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one stepdaughter, Brenda Kay of Cincinnati and his "adopted daughter", Becci Reeves of Hamilton and his constant companion, Spanky. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Green Berry Combs and one sister, Gracie Gulley. Funeral service will be held at the Brown Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, on Friday, April 15, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Rick Witt, Associate Pastor of the Hamilton Church of God officiating. Burial will be in Geenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Family requests memorials to the Senior Adults of the Princeton Pike Church of God.
 

August 27, 2008  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Harold "Hal" Cardwell COMBS, age 85 of Middletown, passed away Monday morning, August 25, 2008 at the Atrium Medical Center. He was born July 27, 1923 in Hazard, Kentucky, the son of Wilgus Combs and Mattie (Howard) Combs. Hal graduated from Middletown High School and attended the Dayton Art Institute. Was a veteran serving in Europe during World War II. He was a commercial artist and founded what was once the only sign company in the area, Miami Sign Company. He provided many years of fun for all ages when he built and operated Skateway Roller Rink and the haunted Horror House. Many will remember his for the Tropical Inn or enjoyed eating at Coney Castle, Five Star BBQ or you may have been a follower of his Louisiana Fry Wagon. He loved all his children and enjoyed spending time with them. Hal had a big soft heart for all animals. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him. He is survived by four sons, Keith (wife, Maria) Combs, Kent (wife, Gloria) Combs, Rex (wife, Tammy) Combs, Kurt Combs; two daughters, Candy (husband, Larry) Walters, and Amy Combs; grandchildren, Bryan (wife, Mary) Bowman, Chris, Eric, Sarah, Max, and Samantha (husband, Chris), Casey and Coty Combs, Shawn Marshall; and two great grandchildren, Nora and Holly. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Wilgus Combs; and a sister, Corine Johnson. Memorial services will be 6:00 PM Thursday at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home with Dr. Dan Flory officiating. Interment will be private at Woodside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to P.A.W.S., P.O. Box 684, Middletown, OH 45042.
 

October 7, 2011 Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Helen F. COMBS, age 83, of Trenton, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties. She was born November 29, 1927 in Hyden, Kentucky. She was a teacher at Madison Local Schools and Poasttown Elementary for 30 years. She loved her job and felt it an honor to teach the children. Helen enjoyed her vegetable garden and was an avid fan of March Madness, especially when U.K. played. She was a dedicated wife for 57 years and a wonderful mother to her sons. Preceding her in death were her parents, Joe and Amelia (Hoskins) Feltner; and her husband Homer Combs in 2006. She is survived by two sons, John Edwin Combs and Charles Homer Combs; two brothers, Hobert Feltner and Bernard Feltner; two sisters, Florence Dasher and Zolla Young; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Monday, October 10, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown, followed by services at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Paul Mills of the Trenton Church Of The Nazarene officiating. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park, Trenton, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties, 5940 Long Meadow Dr., Franklin, Ohio 45005. Arrangements by Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown.

May 17, 2005   Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Helen F. COMBS, of Middletown, died Sunday, May 15, 2005, at Willow Knoll Retirement Community. She was born in McRoberts, Kentucky on April 30, 1921 to parents Clarence Stamper and Lurlie Cash. Mrs. Combs devoted her life to her family, her church, and her Lord Jesus Christ. Helen enjoyed gardening, quilting and was a great cook. Helen is survived by three daughters, Phyllis (Amor) Steffen of Lake Forest, CA, Sondra (John) Esselman of Middletown, and Terry (Oscar) Avina of Middletown; seven grandchildren, Christian (Amy) Steffen, John Allen (Jenny) Esselman, Aaron Esselman, Jason (Emma) Esselman, Travis Esselman, Christy (Mike) Forsyth, and Kelly Shepherd; 13 great grandchildren; brother, Oatley Parks of Middletown; and sister Gean Parks of Oceanside, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, General Sercy Combs in 1995; a daughter, Brenda Faye Combs; grandson, Chuck Ricketts; and sisters, Jewel Paisley and Sarah Lou Parks. Funeral Service will be Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 11:00 AM at Healing Word Assembly of God, 5303 Dixie Hwy., with Pastor Don Shepherd officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 17, 2005 from 5-7 PM at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd. (at Bonita Dr.) Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor´s choice.
 

by
Vivian  Moon
2 May 2007

February 16, 2009  Hamilton Journal-News, Hamilton, Ohio

by
Vivian  Moon
1 May 2007

February 25, 2009  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

 October 10, 1910    Middletown Daily News- Signal, Middletown, Butler County, Ohio

LITTLE NORA COMBS
Dies From Effects of Burns Received Saturday Morning
   Little Nora Combs who was so seriously burned Saturday morning by her clothes igniting from a bonfire in the yard of her home, died Saturday afternoon at 4:10.
   The entire body of the little girl was burned to a crisp. She was the nine-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Combs, of East Fourth Street.
 It is indeed a sad home today when the parents put from their sight forever all that was mortal of their darling baby who on Saturday morning last was the light and joy of a father and mother’s heart and now in this brief space of time she has taken her departure to her eternal home.
   The funeral services took place this afternoon at 2:30 from the home. Rev. B. F. McKinnon and Rev. Replogle, officiating. After the services the sad cortege moved to Middletown Cemetery where the little body was tenderly laid to rest.
vcm: Nora Pauline COMBS was the d/o Elmer COMBS & Rosetta SHIRER

August 21, 2008 Thursday  Journal-News, Hamilton, Ohio

     Ronald Lee COMBS, age 61 of Hamilton passed away at Ft. Hamilton Hospital on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 12:40 AM. He was born in Dayton, Kentucky on July 24, 1947 the son of Delbert and Edna (Stamper) Combs. Ronald was employed at Union Central Life Insurance Company for 27 years, retiring in 1993. He was a member of Lindenwald Baptist Church.
    He is survived by his mother, Edna Combs of Hamilton; a sister, Wilma Jean (Joseph) Bongiorno of Chicago, Illinois; a nephew, Joseph Bongiorno; and three nieces, Donna (David) Capron, Carol Rosch, and Nancy Bongiorno. He was preceded in death by his father; three sisters, Joan, Jeanett, and Judy Combs; and a nephew, Ricky Hulley.
    Funeral service will be held at Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 330 Pershing Avenue, on Friday, August 22, 2008 at 11:30 AM with Pastor Ira Mills of Lindenwald Church of God officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held today, Thursday, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. www.browndawson.com

August 23, 1936    Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

DISOBEYS MOTHER, GOES TO RIVER; BOY DROWNED
Thaddeus Combs Falls In Miami River Near West Middletown; Companions Look On
Thaddeus Combs
   Disobedience to his mother’s warning cost the life of a boy Saturday afternoon when Thaddeus Combs, eight years, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Combs, of 1608 Garfield Street, drowned in the Miami River near West Middletown.
  The grief-stricken mother, who collapsed when informed that her son’s body was recovered 25 minutes after he sank from view of his swimming companions, told The New-Journal reporter how she had warned him repeatedly against going to the river.
  Only Saturday morning she had punished him for attempting to join a group of boys going for a swim in the river, she said. Cautioning him against the danger, she had no thought that he would disobey her later, she said.
  Paul and Lloyd Cowgill, 12 and nine years old, respectively, of Baltimore Street, Lester Owens, 11, and Johnny Thorpe, 12, of Garfield Street , were companions of the victim and were at the West Middletown bank of the river when the tragedy occurred at 2 P.M.
  Jess Foster, of 815 Maple Avenue, made the report to the police. Officers, Harry Richardson, Albert Carr, Bryan Dineen and Sergeant Marvin Byrd, together with Fire Chief Elmer Reed, Steve McCue and Virgil Combs, firemen, went to the scene of the drowning with the city rescue boat and grapples.
  Officer Carr recovered the body a short distance from where the frantic group of boys had seen him sink.
  Artificial respiration was of no avail, a physician pronouncing the boy dead when his body was taken from the water.
  The boy is survived by his parents, eight sisters, Mrs. Ruby Taylor, Mrs. Lulu Connelly, Sercie, Eunice, Omeda, Geneva, Gladys and Josephine Combs and two brothers, Drefus and Eugene.
  Arrangements for the funeral are incomplete. 

August 24, 1936    Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Thaddeus Combs
  COMBS – Thaddeus, 8, 1608 Garfield Street, died Saturday 2 P.M. Funeral Tuesday 2:30 P.M. from Church of God on Clayton Street. Rev. Jeff Wilson officiating. Burial Woodside Cemetery, J. R. Baker, funeral director.
 

March 12, 1984  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

William Alan Combs

Man found dead at home by police
     Middletown police and the Butler County coroner’s office are investigating the death of a Longford Drive man.
      William Combs, 52, of 4821 Longford Drive, was reportedly found by police in his home at 4:18 p.m. Sunday. Officers said they found Combs in a chair in a den at the home. They said he had what appeared to be a gun shot wound to his right temple and was holding a pistol.
      A spokesman for the Butler County coroner’s office said an autopsy was performed this morning.
      Mr. Combs was born in Middletown. He worked at Armco from 1949 until his retirement in 1981 as an order correspondent in the Building Systems Division. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.
      Survivors include his wife Marcia; a son, William O. of Middletown; a daughter Mrs. Jane Blakley of Kettering; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Owen Combs of Middletown; and a sister Carolyn Bake of Middletown.

August 6, 2001  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

William C. Combs
     William C. “Buster” Combs, 79, formerly of 840 Jackson Lane, Middletown, passed away Saturday at Garden Manor Retirement Community.
      He was born July 4, 1922 in Middletown, the son of William and Dixie (McQuinn) Combs. He served with the Marine Corps during World War II, seeing combat with the 4^th Marine Division in Saipan, Tinian, the Marshall Islands and Iwo Jima, receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Later, he enlisted in the Army and was discharged from the National Guard as a sergeant 1^st class. He was employed as an industrial painter before retiring.
      He is preceded in death by a brother, James Earl Combs.
      He is survived by his wife, Sarah (Blair) Combs; a daughter, Elaine (Mike) Doll of Middletown; and two granddaughters, Saraj and Stephanie.
      Arrangements: Military services will be conducted by the American Legion Post 218 Color Guard at the convenience of the family. Burial will be at North Monroe Cemetery.

June 8, 1940  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Tinner Killed Instantly When Hit By Lightning During Storm
WILLIAM F. COMBS VICTIM OF BOLT; WILLIAM ANDERSON, WITH HIM, IS UNHURT; ARMCO BUILDING DAMAGED

December 28, 1924  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Scarlet Fever Clains First Victim Of Year
William Leon Combs
      The first scarlet fever victim of the winter was William Leon Combs, two-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Combs, 614 Malvern street. The little boy died Friday at 2 p.m. and was buried Saturday afternoon in Middletown Cemetery. He is survived by his parents, one sister and one brother.

March 4, 1974  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Willie Combs
    Willie Combs, 74, of 1801 Highland St., died early today in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where he and his wife were visiting a daughter.
    Arrangements are incomplete at the Joseph R. Baker & Sons Funeral Home.

March 6, 1974  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

Willie Combs
      Services for Willie Combs, 74, of 1801 Highland St., will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Crawford Street First Church of God, with the Rev. Herschel Caudill officiating. Entombment will be at Woodside Cemetery.
      Friends may call at the Joseph R. Baker & Sons Funeral Home from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today.
      Mr. Combs died Tuesday in Ft. Lauderdale Fla., where he and his wife were visiting a daughter, Mrs. Nelda Davis. Before retiring he had been employed 38 years by Armco Steel Corp.
      Other survivors are two sons, Carl and Eugene of Middletown; two brothers, Marvin of Lee Co. Ky., and Olney of Middletown; five sisters, Mrs. Ruby Svarda and Mrs. Callie Reynolds of Middletown, Mars. Maggie Raines and Mrs. Nannie Raines of Lee Co. Ky., and Mrs. Sophia White of Hamilton; and seven grandchildren.
vcm: Willie Combs was born in Lee County, Kentucky, son of Andrew M. Combs and Elvia Gross. He married Millie Combs, daughter of Andrew Combs and Ollie Estes. Andrew M. Combs was the son of Sampson Combs and Elizabeth Barrett.