Obituary of Charles Clayton Combs Jr.

Charles Clayton Combs Jr., 69, of Mesa, Arizona, widower of Elaine M. Combs, passed away on December 11, 2022 after a short illness at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona. He had been in declining health for the last several years and had recently suffered a massive stroke. A native of Richmond, Kentucky, he was a 1971 graduate and National Merit Scholar at Model High School in Richmond. He received a congressional appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1972, graduating in 1976. Charles developed many lifetime friendships as a member of both the Protestant Cadet Choir and Academy's Cadet Chorale. The Cadet Chorale performed at a wide variety of venues and events across the country during his time with them. After graduation, he served at various postings as an Air Force pilot, achieving the rank of Captain. After his time in the military, he worked in the aerospace industry, and later for his wife Elaine's company, EMC Personnel Services. He leaves behind many caring Air Force Academy classmates, as well as his neighbors in Mesa, Arizona. He will be missed. Charles was married to the former Elaine M. (Wolk) Combs for forty-five years until her death in August, 2022. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Charles Clayton Combs Sr. and Betty Clark Combs. Charles is survived by two brothers, Clark (Cindy) of Eli, Kentucky, and Craig (Dorie) of Blythewood, South Carolina; along with several nieces and nephews. The family also thanks his Mesa, Arizona neighbors, Robert and Cindy Gray, and his roommate for much of his time at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Richard Luhrs, for being such good friends to him. Funeral Service, 10:00AM, Thursday, December 29, 2022, Air Force Academy Community Center Chapel, 5134 Cathedral Drive, Air Force Academy, Colorado 80840. Interment to follow with military honors, Air Force Academy Cemetery, Air Force Academy, Colorado 80840. Arrangements handled by the Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home of Mesa, Arizona, and by The Springs Funeral Services - North in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Special thanks to Janet Edwards of U.S. Air Force Academy Mortuary Affairs, and U.S. Air Force Academy Deacon, Bob Waller. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Charles C. Combs and Betty C. Combs Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund at Eastern Kentucky University, Office of Development, CPO 19A, 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, Kentucky 40475, or online at development.eku.edu. Events Funeral Service Thursday, December 29, 2022 10:00AM U.S. Air Force Academy Community Chapel 5134 Cathedral Drive Air Force Academy, CO 80840