Joseph Howard Combs

Joseph Howard Combs, 93, passed away on March 27, 2025, in Colorado Springs, CO.  He was born in Dwarf, Kentucky on May 14, 1931, to Arnold and Verna Combs.  At the age of 18, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was a member of the Occupational Forces, going to numerous countries installing communication systems. In 1951, while in Austria, he met the love of his life, Edith Maria Schubert, a World War II Refugee.  They married on July 9, 1954, and had four sons. After his retirement in 1971, Joe and Edie moved the family to Florence.  Joe started his second career with the Department of Corrections, retiring a second time in 1991.  He and Edie spent the next 30 years cruising, camping and traveling the world. Joe is preceded in death by his firstborn infant son Helmut, parents and sister Florence Halterman.  He is survived by his wife, sons, Edward (Crystal) Combs of Jefferson WI, David (Lisa) Combs of Florence CO and Jeffery Combs of Canon City, CO.  Sisters Freda (Dan) Moore, Patricia (Sam) Panteleo both of Pueblo, Co and brother Robert (Pauline) Combs of Nilchik, AK, seven grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s name to St. Jude Hospital. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 11am in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Pikes Peak National Cemetery. 

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