John G. "Johnnie" Combs

John G. Combs, beloved father, friend, brother, uncle, grandfather and avid photographer and horse enthusiast passed away on January 10, 2022.  He was born and raised in Indiana, the eldest son of Frances and Lowell Combs.  He attended school in Oaklandon and graduated from Lawrence Central high school in 1953, following a rural upbringing which included working at the local general store, delivering the Indianapolis Star newspaper and teaching Sunday School.  After graduation, he worked at LS Ayres Company for 7 years, marrying his first wife.  They raised two children, and moved to Colorado for family health matters, where he worked simultaneously at Empire Gas & Electric and as an assistant manager at the West Drive-In Theater.  He later got a job with Dixon Paper Co. where he worked for 34 dedicated years, until he retired in 1999.  In 2002 he returned to Indiana to care for his mother until her passing.  In 2004 he came back to Colorado where he fully enjoyed his favorite pastimes of photography, endless horse activities, the annual Stock Show events, and horse figure and stein collecting.  He also was a passionate auto racing fan (both Indy car and NASCAR) and he was especially enthused about the Indianapolis 500 race, which he attended multiple times with family.

John’s kindness was deeply appreciated by family and friends alike, and he will be greatly missed, but his thoughtfulness and friendly demeaner will live on in those who benefitted by knowing him.  John is survived by his daughter & son-in-law – Barb and Bob; his son & daughter-in-law – Mike and Michele; his best friend and stepson & his wife – Duane and Suzy; his Grandchildren – Steve, Jim and Cyndi; his step granddaughter – Jeanna; his Great Grand Children – Matthew, Elisa, Caley & Isabel; and his brother & his wife – Jack and Susan.  John was preceded in death by his parents and two other brothers – Jim and Jerry, as well as two sisters – Patty Lee and Pam Loleta.  His ashes will be interred with family on May 26 at 10:30 AM in the Oaklandon Cemetery in Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, John wishes for his life to be celebrated by donations being made in his name to the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center in Franktown, Colorado to care for orphaned and rescued horses. Please visit the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center at www.ddfl.org,  click on the donate tab and then select the Harmony Equine Center under the Fund Name.

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