Donald “Don” Byron Combs
Donald “Don” Byron Combs was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He left this world to be with Jesus on December 25, 2021 at age 78. He was born to Clayton and Lila Combs on February 22, 1943 in Kona, KY and was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Robert Combs, Glyndora Combs, Pauline Haney, Eunice Derringer, Darrell Combs, Larry Combs, and Tom Combs. He is survived by 3 siblings Sharon Uribe Combs of Milan, IN, Norma Goodpaster of Milan, IN, and Charles Combs of Sunman, IN. Don is also survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Phyllis Sue Berry Combs of Redington Beach, FL and their children and many grandchildren.
Don and Sue owned and operated Grandview Market on Ludlow Hill for 15 years. He also coached little league baseball and pee wee football when his boys Don Jr. and Jim played. Don retired from the Lawrenceburg Police Department as Police Chief in 1992 and was the Mayor of Lawrenceburg from 1992-1996. He considered his greatest achievement in life to be when he married the love of his life, Phyllis Sue Berry Combs at 18 years old. Together, they had 4 children: Donna Greive of Largo, FL, Donald (Erika) Combs Jr. of Lawrenceburg, IN, Jim (Stephanie) Combs of Winchester, KY, and Christa (Max) Socks of Moores Hill, IN. Don is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Chelsie (Matt) Hanna, Stacie (Trever) Varney, Courtnie Greive, Joshua Combs, Dustin (Kelli) Combs, Kendall Combs, Blake Combs, Lila Socks, Shelby Socks, and Uriah Socks, and 7 great-grandchildren: Ella Combs, Paul Combs, Ben Combs, Tyler Hanna, Carter Hanna, Jackson Varney, and Christian Varney.
Don loved spending time in his garden, spending time with his kids and grandkids, and reading the Bible. He had faith in the Heavenly Father like no other, and he led his life by following the Holy Word. He was a member of Community Bible Baptist Church in Pinellas Park, Florida. Don never stopped working, even after retirement, as he always found a project around the house or even down the road. He was a giving and generous man that was known to help his neighbors, friends, and family at any given moment. Don truly loved life and always had a smile on his face and a joke on his tongue. His laugh was contagious, just as his joyful spirit was.
Visitation was held at 11 am and funeral service at 1 pm on Monday, January 3, 2022 at Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home 1114 S Ripley Estates Dr. Versailles, IN 47042. Burial immediately followed at Washington Cemetery-Elrod.