James Donald Combs

Harrison mourns the loss of James Donald Combs, a beloved husband, father, and devoted servant to the Lord, who peacefully passed away on April 24, 2024. Born on May 21, 1938, in Combs, Kentucky, to Bailey and Mary Combs, James, affectionately known as Donnie, led a fulfilling life filled with love, laughter, and faith.

Don proudly served in the US Air Force, with two years of foreign service, a commitment that shaped his character and sense of duty to his country. His life took a fateful turn when he crossed paths with Faye Whitaker, whom he married on October 1, 1960, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together. A dedicated employee of P&G, Donnie worked diligently until his well-deserved retirement.

Apart from his professional accomplishments, Don found immense joy in raising his two children, Jeff and DeVonna, with his beloved wife, Faye. His passion for playing the guitar, clever sense of humor, and unwavering support for the UK basketball team were just some of the many qualities that endeared him to those who knew him.

In retirement, Don and Faye enjoyed traveling to their second homes in Florida and Tennessee, basking in each other's company and creating cherished memories. An avid golfer, he relished the camaraderie of his friends in both local golf clubs and the Wendy’s Men’s breakfast group.

Those to carry on Don's witty sense of humor are his loving and devoted wife of 63 years Faye Whitaker Combs; daughter: DeVonna Wiesner (Randy Mugavin); cherished grandchildren: Blake (Lacey) Combs, Daniel (Diana) Wiesner, Jordan Wiesner (Jamie Rowley), Dylan and Ryan Combs; beloved great grandchildren: Myrissa, Juilianne & Donald Combs and Carter, Eli & Emmie Wiesner; dear siblings: David W. (Inge) Combs, Linda Plowman; sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law: Wanda (Oral) Engle, Mary Rose Whitaker (Jack Watts), Louie (Lee Etta) Whitaker, Kathy (John) Collins. Also many nieces, nephews and friends. 

Don was preceded in death by his son: Jeff Combs; parents: Bailey and Mary Combs; brother: Randall Combs; brother-in-law: Aaron Plowman, Von Whitaker and sister-in-law: Zola Craft. 

Visitation will be held at Brater Winter Funeral Home, 201 S. Vine Street, Harrison, OH on Monday, April 29, 2024 from 3pm until the time of the service at 5 pm.  Burial will be at Arlington Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. All attending will meet at the family gathering area of the cemetery at 11:15 am and we will proceed back to the mausoleum.

May his legacy live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. The family ask that memorials be made to Shriners Children’s Burn Institute in Don's memory.

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