Obituary of Sam Combs

Sam Combs Aug 21, 1925 - June 13, 2021 Sam Combs, age 95 of Phoenix, AZ died peacefully on June 13, 2021 at the University of Iowa Hospitals with his loving family by his side. Gravesite services to be held on Friday, June 25th at 11:00am at Greenwood Cemetary, 2300 W. Van Buren Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009. Sam was born on Aug, 21, 1925 in Jackson, Kentucky, to Ossie and Oma Combs. He was the second of 8 children. He attended school in the Kentucky area and began working as a driver for the coal mines. He eventually moved to Middletown, Ohio and began his career as a very talented carpenter. In Aug. of 1947, he married his beloved wife Opal (Arrowood) Combs in Middletown, Ohio. There they were blessed with 5 children, Danny, Sam Jr, Wilma, Rolema, and Mary Jean. The family eventually moved to Phoenix, AZ to be closer to family. In the 1980’s Sam opened his own construction business named Metro, where he still continued to work and have a passion for. After Opal’s death in 1990, Sam met Hermine McLeran in which he spent almost 15 years traveling back and forth from the Phoenix area to Iowa City. They continued to travel and enjoy life to the fullest until her sudden death in 2016. Sam was a true Southern Gentleman and always said, “treat people how you would like to be treated.” He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren, loved watching sports, sitting outside and taking it all in, but more than anything he loved his family. His children and grandchildren were his world. Sam is survived by two of his children, Sam Jr. Combs (Dawn) of Glendale, AZ, Mary Jean Elliott of Phoenix, AZ, Grandchildren, Samantha, Olivia (John Miller), Michele (Michael Winters), Arlo Jr., Brent Anderson, Alli, Danny Jr., Devin and Danielle Combs, Josh (Lori) Swearengin, Jake and Jay Reeder and great grandchildren Sammy Ray, Emery Opal (both named after their grandparents), Ryley, Brenna, Lexi, and Marc. Brother Ossie Combs Jr., Sisters Ethel Brewer, Margie Williams and Mini Blackburn. Extended family Chuck Hayden(Wendi) Reese and Quinn of Iowa City, John Hayden(Jennifer), Taylor, Carter, Ella and Kaleb of Blairstown and close friend Pam Strong. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, wife Opal, children Wilma, Danny and Rolema, Brothers Emmett Combs and Nicki Combs, Sister Dessie Deskin, grandson Donald Combs and companion Hermine McLeran. The family would like to thank Dan Ciha at Gay and Ciha Funeral Services in Iowa City, Iowa for his compassion, professionalism and his patience to guide us through these trying times.