Donald Jay Combs

COMBS, Donald Jay Sr., age 81 of Gratis, OH. passed away peacefully while his family was at his bedside on  Sat. Sept. 13, 2014 at his residence.  He was born in Preble County on Nov. 24, 1932 to Otto and Chelcie (Gabbard) Combs.  Don was a 1952 graduate of Lanier High School.  He had retired from Armco Steel in Middletown.  He was a member of the Salem Lutheran Church in West Alexandria, Charter member of Gratis F.O.E. 4289  and was a N.R.A. member.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sue (Woodard) Combs, 5 children, Donald (Pamela) Combs Jr., Gratis, OH., Jerry (Debbie Ann) Combs, West Alexandria, OH., Jeffery (Jodi) Combs, Gratis, OH., Jeanne (Brian) Via, Camden, OH., Joseph (Holly) Combs, Gratis, OH., 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers, Ralph (Joyce) Combs, Gratis,  OH., Raymond (Joy) Combs, Rutland, OH.   Don was preceded in death by son, Jody Harold Combs, grandson, Nicholas Via, great-grandson, Cannen Gadd, 4 sisters, infant, Loretta Combs, Thelma Wolfe, Rometta Miller, Zellia Worley, and 3 brothers, infant, Leon Combs, James Combs, Otto Combs Jr.  Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M. Tues. Sept. 16, 2014  at  First Brethren Church in Gratis  with Rev. Robert Shannon and Rev. Daniel Snider officiating.  Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Gratis, OH.  Friends may call at the church in Gratis on Mon. from  5:00 P.M.  to 8:00 P.M.  Lindloff-Zimmerman Funeral Home, Gratis, OH. is in charge of arrangements.  Donations may be made to Crossroads Hospice.  For condolences: lindloffzimmerman.com