1940
Capt.
2014
Capt. John W. Combs
October 31, 1940 — December 2, 2014
CAPT. JOHN W. COMBS, USN (Ret.)
BOARDMAN--Capt. John W. Combs, USN (Ret.) peacefully passed to eternal life early Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014 in the presence of his loving wife and surrounded by the spirit of his loving family after an extended illness which he met with courage and dignity.
John was born in Isom, Kentucky on October 31, 1940 to Denver and Grace (Fields) Combs, thereafter securing his strong Kentucky roots during his childhood and many summers with his cousins and grandparents, Monroe and Ollie Fields, at the Homeplace farm.
After earning his Bachelor's degree at Campbellsville University, John moved to Cincinnati where he taught high school biology and coached football.
In 1965, John "heard the call" and joined the United States Navy with hopes of becoming a fighter pilot. Throughout what became a twenty-three year distinguished Navy career, John trained at a variety of sites: Gitmo, Cuba; Miramar, CA; Pensacola, FL; Oceana, VA; the Naval War College, Newport RI where he earned his Master's degree; Fighter Training Comnavairlant; and Navottsa, Washington D.C. As a Top Gun graduate and Top Gun fighter pilot, John earned accolades for his many contributions.
John also served his country and the Navy as a commanding officer and captain of a fighter squadron--the famous "Red Rippers" VF 11. His military service and travels placed him aboard eight different carriers: The U.S.S. Lexington, Midway, Saratoga, Constellation, Kennedy, Nimitz, Eisenhower, and U.S.S. Enterprise from which he flew 157 combat missions over Viet Nam--including one ejection when his aircraft caught fire.
In all, Captain Combs logged 1,257 "traps" (carrier landings) and--throughout his highly-decorated career, he flew the following aircraft: T-34, T-28, T-33, T-2, AF-9, F-8, F-4 and the famous F-14 "Tomcat." John's name appears (with only 199 other pilots) on the distinguished "1000 Trap Club" plaque at the National Museum of Naval Aviation on the Pensacola Naval Air Station.
During his last tour of duty, Captain Combs was stationed in Washington, D.C. while traveling extensively to Singapore, Japan, Thailand, the Phillipines, and Korea as he was in charge of all Navy acquisitions for South East Asia and the Pacific.
When John retired from the Navy in 1988, he continued to support veterans' causes and to be affiliated with VFW's and American Legions wherever he traveled; his last active affiliation was with American Legion Post 15 in Poland where he was asked to lead a summer parade.
John also remained an active member of Aircraft Owners and Pilots (AOPA) and welcomed the opportunity to share his military experiences formally when asked; his last formal presentation was titled "A View of Aviation (Fighter Jets) from the Cockpit" at the IPMS Region 4 Model Show at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio in 2008.
John continued to fly corporate jets nationally for twenty more years after his 1988 Navy retirement. A chief pilot position with Petra Aviation brought him to the Youngstown area in 2000. His last position as chief pilot and chief of airplane maintenance was with TransDigm, an aerospace holding company in Cleveland, before his aviation retirement in 2007.
John married Dolores (Kunic) at Good Hope Lutheran Church on December 10, 2005, with each still continuing to feel "the lucky one" for having the other.
Thereafter, John participated in a variety of bible study groups at Good Hope Lutheran Church where he was also commissioned for the Hospital Visitation Ministry.
Throughout his life, John enjoyed working out and was even known for doing "wheelies" on the carrier decks. As a "natural athlete," John participated in many sports: racquetball, tennis, golf, baseball, basketball, football, snow skiing, water skiing, and boating. Of course, John also enjoyed watching sports--any sport, any season.
Sharing time with family and friends was also special to John, and traveling to see family whenever possible was enjoyable and important.
Now, John will be lovingly remembered by his family: his wife, Dolores; his daughters, Suzanne (Steve) Powers of Orlando, FL and Christina Combs of Fort Lauderdale, FL; his son, Denver Combs and his daughter, Kathleen Combs, both of Las Vegas, NV; his sister, Janet (Lloyd) Mustin of Chino Hills, CA; a sister-in law, Janice (Jim) of Sunset Beach, NC; an uncle and two aunts: Earl and Gloria Fields, Corbin, KY; Velta Fields, Richmond, KY; and many cousins: Jo Ann Orman, Charlestown, IN; Judy Petrone, Louisville, KY; Clark (Susan) Combs, Floyds Knobs, IN; Kay (Jeff) Hensley, Diane (Delaney) Hoskins, Fred (Stella) Fields; and Marsha (Jack) Maggard, all of London, KY; Kimberly (James) Dugger, Corbin, KY; and Mary (Dale) Phillips, Paintsville, KY. John ("Squid") also leaves a longtime, dear friend, Lt.Col. Michael A. Gurrola, USMC, (Ret.) --"Grunt"--and his wife, Donna, Fresno, CA. John leaves many nieces and nephews, friends, and his special rescue-Puggle, "Skipper."
John was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Matilda Combs and Monroe and Ollie Fields, and an uncle and aunt, Dave Combs and Dora Brashear.
The family wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Robert Wetzel and Dr. Charles Wilkins for their long-term, outstanding, and compassionate care for John. Appreciation also goes to Hospice of the Valley and Hospice House. Certainly, the family wishes to thank all staff at Sunrise of Poland for their excellent and loving care for John (and Dolores) and for being our "extended family."
Friends and family may visit on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5:00-8:00 at the Cunningham Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main Street, Poland, Ohio, 44514. Friends may also visit on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9:00-9:45 at Good Hope Lutheran Church, 98 Homestead Dr., Youngstown, Ohio 44512; a memorial service for John will follow afterwards at 10:00 at the church.
Interment will take place at Poland Riverside Cemetery where John will receive full military honors for his dedicated service to our country.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that contributions in John's name be made to either Paralyzed Veterans of America, 7 Mill Brook Road, Wilton, NH 03086 or The American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231.
...and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the
good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4: 6-7
BOARDMAN--Capt. John W. Combs, USN (Ret.) peacefully passed to eternal life early Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014 in the presence of his loving wife and surrounded by the spirit of his loving family after an extended illness which he met with courage and dignity.
John was born in Isom, Kentucky on October 31, 1940 to Denver and Grace (Fields) Combs, thereafter securing his strong Kentucky roots during his childhood and many summers with his cousins and grandparents, Monroe and Ollie Fields, at the Homeplace farm.
After earning his Bachelor's degree at Campbellsville University, John moved to Cincinnati where he taught high school biology and coached football.
In 1965, John "heard the call" and joined the United States Navy with hopes of becoming a fighter pilot. Throughout what became a twenty-three year distinguished Navy career, John trained at a variety of sites: Gitmo, Cuba; Miramar, CA; Pensacola, FL; Oceana, VA; the Naval War College, Newport RI where he earned his Master's degree; Fighter Training Comnavairlant; and Navottsa, Washington D.C. As a Top Gun graduate and Top Gun fighter pilot, John earned accolades for his many contributions.
John also served his country and the Navy as a commanding officer and captain of a fighter squadron--the famous "Red Rippers" VF 11. His military service and travels placed him aboard eight different carriers: The U.S.S. Lexington, Midway, Saratoga, Constellation, Kennedy, Nimitz, Eisenhower, and U.S.S. Enterprise from which he flew 157 combat missions over Viet Nam--including one ejection when his aircraft caught fire.
In all, Captain Combs logged 1,257 "traps" (carrier landings) and--throughout his highly-decorated career, he flew the following aircraft: T-34, T-28, T-33, T-2, AF-9, F-8, F-4 and the famous F-14 "Tomcat." John's name appears (with only 199 other pilots) on the distinguished "1000 Trap Club" plaque at the National Museum of Naval Aviation on the Pensacola Naval Air Station.
During his last tour of duty, Captain Combs was stationed in Washington, D.C. while traveling extensively to Singapore, Japan, Thailand, the Phillipines, and Korea as he was in charge of all Navy acquisitions for South East Asia and the Pacific.
When John retired from the Navy in 1988, he continued to support veterans' causes and to be affiliated with VFW's and American Legions wherever he traveled; his last active affiliation was with American Legion Post 15 in Poland where he was asked to lead a summer parade.
John also remained an active member of Aircraft Owners and Pilots (AOPA) and welcomed the opportunity to share his military experiences formally when asked; his last formal presentation was titled "A View of Aviation (Fighter Jets) from the Cockpit" at the IPMS Region 4 Model Show at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio in 2008.
John continued to fly corporate jets nationally for twenty more years after his 1988 Navy retirement. A chief pilot position with Petra Aviation brought him to the Youngstown area in 2000. His last position as chief pilot and chief of airplane maintenance was with TransDigm, an aerospace holding company in Cleveland, before his aviation retirement in 2007.
John married Dolores (Kunic) at Good Hope Lutheran Church on December 10, 2005, with each still continuing to feel "the lucky one" for having the other.
Thereafter, John participated in a variety of bible study groups at Good Hope Lutheran Church where he was also commissioned for the Hospital Visitation Ministry.
Throughout his life, John enjoyed working out and was even known for doing "wheelies" on the carrier decks. As a "natural athlete," John participated in many sports: racquetball, tennis, golf, baseball, basketball, football, snow skiing, water skiing, and boating. Of course, John also enjoyed watching sports--any sport, any season.
Sharing time with family and friends was also special to John, and traveling to see family whenever possible was enjoyable and important.
Now, John will be lovingly remembered by his family: his wife, Dolores; his daughters, Suzanne (Steve) Powers of Orlando, FL and Christina Combs of Fort Lauderdale, FL; his son, Denver Combs and his daughter, Kathleen Combs, both of Las Vegas, NV; his sister, Janet (Lloyd) Mustin of Chino Hills, CA; a sister-in law, Janice (Jim) of Sunset Beach, NC; an uncle and two aunts: Earl and Gloria Fields, Corbin, KY; Velta Fields, Richmond, KY; and many cousins: Jo Ann Orman, Charlestown, IN; Judy Petrone, Louisville, KY; Clark (Susan) Combs, Floyds Knobs, IN; Kay (Jeff) Hensley, Diane (Delaney) Hoskins, Fred (Stella) Fields; and Marsha (Jack) Maggard, all of London, KY; Kimberly (James) Dugger, Corbin, KY; and Mary (Dale) Phillips, Paintsville, KY. John ("Squid") also leaves a longtime, dear friend, Lt.Col. Michael A. Gurrola, USMC, (Ret.) --"Grunt"--and his wife, Donna, Fresno, CA. John leaves many nieces and nephews, friends, and his special rescue-Puggle, "Skipper."
John was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Matilda Combs and Monroe and Ollie Fields, and an uncle and aunt, Dave Combs and Dora Brashear.
The family wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Robert Wetzel and Dr. Charles Wilkins for their long-term, outstanding, and compassionate care for John. Appreciation also goes to Hospice of the Valley and Hospice House. Certainly, the family wishes to thank all staff at Sunrise of Poland for their excellent and loving care for John (and Dolores) and for being our "extended family."
Friends and family may visit on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5:00-8:00 at the Cunningham Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main Street, Poland, Ohio, 44514. Friends may also visit on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9:00-9:45 at Good Hope Lutheran Church, 98 Homestead Dr., Youngstown, Ohio 44512; a memorial service for John will follow afterwards at 10:00 at the church.
Interment will take place at Poland Riverside Cemetery where John will receive full military honors for his dedicated service to our country.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that contributions in John's name be made to either Paralyzed Veterans of America, 7 Mill Brook Road, Wilton, NH 03086 or The American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231.
...and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the
good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4: 6-7
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