Russell G. Combs

Russell Glenn Combs, 92, died Friday, September 26, 2014 at the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Mr. Combs was born in 1922 in Baughman Settlement, McCauley, WV in Hardy County. He was the son of the late Levi F., Sr. and Ada A. Combs.  Mr. Combs attended Elementary School in Rio, WV and graduated from Capon Bridge High School in 1941. He was a multi-sports athlete, Vice President of his Class and voted Most Popular. In 1943, Mr. Combs joined the Army and served in the Pacific Theatre (Guadalcanal) during WWII.  Awards received during his service included the American Defense medal, Outstanding Unit Award and Asiatic-Pacific medal.  Mr. Combs was employed early in his career at the War Production Board in Washington, D.C.  He retired from The O’Sullivan Corporation in 1987 as the Production Planning and Customer Service Manager.  Mr. Combs was a member, trustee, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, member of council and church officer of Bethel Lutheran Church.  He was a member of the Gainesboro Ruritan Club, Hampshire County VFW, American Legion, and a founding member of North River Volunteer Fire Dept.  His many enjoyments were fresh water and ocean fishing, gardening, canning vegetables, and making wine for the church.  Glenn was a lover of nature and enjoyed being outdoors.  He was always so proud to say that he visited all of the 48 contiguous states…by car. His favorite football team was the Washington Redskins and he was an avid fan.  His main passions were family and serving others.

While working at the War Production Board, Mr. Combs met his future wife, Elva E. Williams, who worked in the Pentagon at the time.  Upon his return to stateside they were married February 26, 1946 in Smith Center, KS.  Mrs. Combs preceded him in death in 2006.

Surviving are daughters, Glenna Shifflett (Paul) and Kristi Riggleman (Tim) of Winchester, VA; grandchildren, Christopher Shifflett (Tara), Jennifer Shifflett, Drew Riggleman, and Kaylie Riggleman of Winchester, VA; great-grandchildren, Eva Shifflett and Sophia Shifflett of Winchester, VA.

Mr. Combs was also preceded in death by a sister, Elnora V. Conard and a brother, Levi F. Combs, Jr.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, from 9:30-11 A.M. at Bethel Lutheran Church, followed by a funeral service at 11 A.M.  Interment will be in Shenandoah Memorial Park, Frederick County, VA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethel Jubilee Fund, c/o Bethel Lutheran Church, 2077 North Frederick Pike, Winchester, VA 22603 or Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601.

Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com