Abbie Owens Combs

Mrs. Abbie Owens Combs, 98, of Middletown, died Thursday, Nov. 8, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital.

Born March 3, 1903, to Thomas and Armelda (Combs) Owens in Knott County, Ky., she was a member of the First Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fulton F. Combs in May 1986, her father, Thomas Owens, mother, Armelda Owens, two sons, Harold and Jimmy Combs; a great-grandson; and 12 brothers and sisters.

Survivors include two sons, David (Lucille) Combs of Middletown and Douglas (Leona) Combs of Middletown; a daughter Mazie (Lyle) Taylor of Escondido, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Esther Combs.

Arrangements: Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home with the Rev. Pastor Charles Wolfinbarger officiating and burial at the Butler County Memorial Park in Wayne Township. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Albert W. Combs

Albert Willis Combs, 82, of Middletown, died Monday, July 2, 2001, at Garden Manor Retirement Village.

He was born on March 4, 1919, in Hindman Ky., to Spencer and Jane (Mullins) Combs.

Mr. Combs served his country in the Army during World War II. He was a staff sergeant with Company E 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, serving in Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Africa. His decoration and citations include European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, with one Silver Star; Good Conduct Medal; and a World War II Victory Medal.

After the service, he married Mattie Geraldine (Rose) Combs in 1946. July 20th would have been their 55th wedding anniversary. Mr Combs worked for Inland Container as a printer for 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Mattie Geraldine Combs; four sons, Quintin (Deborah) Combs of Madison Township, Vic (Carolyn) Combs and David (Sue) Combs, both of Haverhill, Mass., and Brian Combs (Cristy) Combs of Middletown; one daughter, Jan (Blake) Freeze of Middletown; brothers Claude (Reona) Combs of North Port Fla., and Truman (Sadie) Combs of Pekin, Ill.; a sister, Clara Martin of North Port, Fla.; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Clyde Spencer Combs; a brother, Samp Combs; and a sisters, Ruth Combs, Oma Robinson and Maxine Collins.

Arrangements: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 6, at Wilson-Schramm-Spalding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., at Bonita, Middletown, with Pastor Mark Jackson officiating. Visitations will be Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m.. Interment will be at Elk Creek Cemetery in Madison Township. Military honors will be conducted by the Honor Guard of American Legion Post 218.

Andrew Combs, 72, Dies; Resident Here 50 Years

Andrew Combs, 72, died at 11:25 p.m. yesterday at his home at 2012 Queen Ave. He had been failing in health 18 years.

Before illness forced his retirement, Mr. Combs was employed in the west processing department of Armco Steel Corp.

He was a resident of Middletown for 50 years, coming here from Lee Co. Ky. He was a member of the Nazarene Church of God at Trenton.

Surviving are his wife, Bessie; five daughters, Mrs. Charles Phillips of Monroe, and Mrs. Willie Combs, Mrs. Clyde Hines, Mrs. James Yancer and Miss Nancy Combs, all of Middletown: five sons, Charles, Clayton, Ray, Donald and Jerry, all of Middletwon; two sisters, Mrs. Willie Neal of Dayton and Mrs. William Young of Buckley, Wash.; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at the funeral home tomorrow from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Arch Combs

TRENTON - Arch Combs, 73, of 3 Brelsford Ave., died yesterday afternoon at Middletown Hospital after a long illness. He had been a patient in the hospital since Dec. 15 and had been ill for the past year.

Mr. Combs was a native of Owsley County, Ky., and moved to Trenton about 13 years ago. He spent most of his life as a truck driver for the state of Kentucky. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a member of the First Baptist Church of Trenton.

Survivors include his wife Dorothy; two sons, James of Hamilton and Estill of Trenton; a daughter, Mrs. Clarice Moore of Trenton; two brothers, Raymond Combs of Hamilton and Harry Eversole of Booneville, Ky.; three sisters, Mrs. Anna Hobbs and Mrs. May Belle Nickell, both of Hamilton, and Mrs. Virgil Allen of Loveland; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Services will be at the Wilson-Schramm Memorial Home in Middletown at 2 p.m. Saturday with the Rev. Bill Isaacs officiating. Burial will be in Hickory Flat Cemetery near Trenton. Friends may call at the memorial home from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday.

Archie Combs

Archie Combs, 67, of Durblin House, Middletown, died Wednesday, June 24, 1998, at Middletown Regional Hospital.

He was born in Breathitt County, Ky., on Dec. 13, 1930, and lived here for five years. Mr. Combs had worked as a truck mechanic.

Among his survivors are three sons, Doug and James Matthew Combs both of Middletown, and Archie Timothy Combs of Eaton; a daughter, Rebecca Hueitt of Crows Landing, Calif.; two sisters, Frances Noble of Chicago, Ill., and Stella Mae Fugate of Kentucky; several aunts and uncles in Breathitt Co. Ky., nine grandchildren, Shane, Doug, Leah, Ashley, Chandra, Chad, Jake, Crystal and Robbie; and seven great-grandchildren, James, Phillip, Cora, Shane Ray, Kabrea, Kayla and Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Rebecca Combs; and a granddaughter Shannon.

Arrangements: A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 29, at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. There will be no visitation.

Grocer Dies of Heart Disease
Arthur Combs Found Dead Wednesday Morning

Arthur Combs, 55, Charles Street grocer, was found dead in bed at 5:30 A.M. Wednesday at his home, 1813 Casper Avenue, a victim of heart disease. His sister-in-law, Mrs. Sarah Combs, went to his room to awaken him and found him dead.

The business man worked as usual at his store Tuesday, complaining of illness Tuesday night when he was attended by a physician. His death was a surprise to the family and his customers.

Before coming to Middletown two years ago, the grocery proprietor was a resident of West Bend, Ky., to which city his body will be removed for burial. He had established a large patronage in the neighborhood of his store and was well known in the district.

Surviving him are one sister, Mrs. Ferinda Critchfield, of Indianapolis; one brother, Clinton Combs, of Madison, Ind., and the sister-in-law and nephew, Clarence, who made their home with him.

The Rev. Jeff Everman, of Stanton, Ky. will have charge of the funeral. The body will be taken to West Bend at 10. P.M. Wednesday. Friends may call at the home before that time.

Arthur C. Combs

Arthur C. Combs, 65, of 6740 Aljen Road, was dead on arrival at Middletown Hospital Thursday at 5 p.m. he was working in the garden at his home when he collapsed.

Mr. Combs retired last year after being employed since 1943 by Armco Steel Corp.

Surviving are his wife, Floris; two sons, Ronnie and Robert of Columbus; three sisters, Mrs. Lavelle Perkins and Mrs. Opal Agnew of Somerset, Ky., and Mrs. Alma Johnson of Winchester, Ky.; a brother, Albert of Hazard, Ky.; and three grandchildren.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Riggs Funeral Home, with the Rev. Franklin Woods officiating. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Artie Combs
Mrs. J. W. Combs

Death relieved the sufferings of Mrs. J. W. Combs when she passed away at her home on Hughes Street yesterday morning. She is survived by the husband and two children and to them the sincere sympathy of all is being extended during their hour of bereavement. The remains will be shipped to Mt. Sterling, Ky., and interment made there.

Ashford Combs

Ashford Combs, 63, of 7471 Keister Road, was dead on arrival at Middletown Hospital at 9:25 p.m. Thursday. He had been in failing health a year.

Mr. Combs was employed from 1952 to 1972 by the Dayton Steel Foundry.

Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth; five sons, Alex of Xenia, Adrian of Trenton, Albery and Omer of Posttown, and Tommy at home; two daughters, Hazel at home, and Mrs Patsy Moore of Middletown; two brothers, Alex of Aurora, Ind., and Robert of Eaton; four sisters, Mrs. Maggie Combs, Mrs. Belva Johnson and Mrs. Sally Williams of Clay City, Ky., and Mrs. Viney Campbell of Miamisburg; and ten grandchildren.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the home of the son, Omer, at 8423 Hoover Court, Posttown, with the Rev. Steve Faulkner officiating. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Cemetery at Miamisburg.

Friends may call at the Eaton Funeral Home in Franklin Sunday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Fire Takes One Life; Second Death Mystery
Atron Combs

Two Webster Street residents died yesterday and early today, one succumbing of serious burns, the other dying of serious head injuries, the circumstances of which are still being investigated by city police.

The victims were identified as:

Atron Combs, 37, 317 Webster St., who was found in the 200 block of Clark Street.

Alfred Miller, 78, 110 Webster St., who died of burns received in a fire which followed an explosion at that address.

COMBS DIED at 3:37 p.m. yesterday in Middletown Hospital but could not be identified until early this morning.

Officers who answered the call at 10:20 a.m. yesterday on Clark Street found the man lying in the snow between the sidewalk and the street in a semi-conscious condition. The Fire Department emergency squad also aided.

Because Combs had no wallet, officers were unable to identify him immediately. He was rushed to the hospital by Schramm's ambulance. Combs was conscious but incoherent when ambulance attendants reached the scene.

About 12 police officers viewed the body at the Riggs Funeral Home in an effort to identify the man. They were quoted as saying they had seen him before but could not recall his name. He had a police record of many arrests, mostly for intoxication.

ONE OFFICER said he thought the man resembled Combs and his parents were contacted. Mr. and Mrs. Everett Combs, with whom the victim lived, positively identified him as their son.

Police were told that Combs had left home around 9 a.m. Sunday. A 17-year-old boy was supposed to have seen Combs fall, but police were unable to locate the youth or any witness.

Dr. Garrett J. Boone, Butler County coroner, said Combs died of multiple head injuries but finds it "hard to believe that the man had fallen. He said he did not think a fall caused death and even an assault does not seem likely, he added.

Combs suffered two brain hemorrhages, at the base and at the side of the brain, along with left leg and arm bruises and small cuts. One injury at the base of the brain was of the whiplash variety, Boone said. He theorized it was possibly due to an accident.

"The injuries don't fit in with a certain pattern." the coroner stated.

MILLER died at 8:30 a.m. today in Middletown Hospital of first, second and third degree burns over 75 per cent of his body.

Answering a call to the Miller home at 7 p.m. yesterday, officers said Miller was putting a container of coffee on a gas stove, which exploded in his face setting Miller's clothing on fire.

Officers said Miller sat down in a heavy cushioned chair and it caught on fire.

Patton Boatright, 118 Webster St. found Miller and put out the blaze. Miller was lying on the floor when police arrived. His clothes were still smoking.

Miller was rushed to the hospital by Riggs Ambulance.

COMBS WAS born at Louisville, Ky., and had been a resident of Middletown 35 years. He had worked as a contract painter and carpenter for a number of local employers.

Surviving are a son, Bobby Lee Combs of Middletown; a daughter, Mrs. Elsie May Likens of Middletown; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Combs, with whom he made his home; a brother Arthur of Miamisburg; and a sister, Mrs. Dorothy Taylor of Middletown.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Riggs Funeral Home.

MILLER'S brother, Earl, was burned to death under similar circumstances here about a year ago.

Miller was a retired construction worker. He was born in Preble County and had been a resident of Middletown most of his life.

Surviving are five sons, Edger, Herman and Franklin of Middletown Rt. 1 and Joe of Levittown, Pa.; nine daughters, Mrs. Bessie Stall, Mrs. Loretta Allen, Mrs. Ora Jean Jones, Mrs. Laura Evans, and Mrs. Arlene Morris, all of Middletown, Mrs. Ethel Richardson of Franklin, Mrs. Josephine Bowers of Dayton, Mrs. Ruby Pratel of Burlington, Mich., and Mrs. Lucille Richardson of Franklin; a brother, R. E. Miller of Middletown; three sisters, Mrs. Mary Pinrod of Dayton, Mrs. Myrtle Schrock of Trenton, and Mrs. Blanche Hughes, living in Montana; 50 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Joseph R. Baker & Sons Funeral Home.

Bertha (Johnson) Combs

Mrs. Bertha Combs, 72, of 1006 Auburn St., died at 8:40 a.m. Monday morning in the emergency room at Middletown Regional Hospital.

The Hardburley, Ky., native had lived in this area for 45 years and was a member of the Full Gospel Temple in Germantown.

She is preceded in death by her parents Elihue and Susie (Collins) Johnson; her husband, Robert E. Combs in 1982; a daughter, Jerrie K. Musick in 1986; and a sister, Martha Fondren in 1992.

Survivors include three sons, Charles E. of Middletown, Robert L. of Franklin and John R. Combs of Hamilton; a daughter Sandra L. Byrd of Townsend, Tenn.; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Roy Johnson of Middletown; and two sisters, Dora McDaniel of Middletown and Mary Mosley of Ary, Ky.

Funeral services are set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Full Gospel Temple in Germantown with the Revs. Paul Blanton and Dave Robinson officating. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Joseph R. Baker Funeral Home.

Funeral Of Little Girl
Bertha Combs

The funeral services of little Bertha Combs, the three-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Combs of Jacoby Avenue took place at 10 o'clock this morning from the residence. Rev. Charles C. Cowgill officiated. Interment in charge of Rathman & McCoy, was made in Middletown Cemetery.

Bessie (Dalton) Combs

COMBS- Bessie, 35, died Thursday 7 A.M., at residence, Illinois Ave., Maple Park. Funeral Saturday 2:30 P.M. from the Church of God, Crawford Street. Rev. R. C. Caudill officating. The body will be at home after Friday noon. Burial Woodside Cemetery. J. R. Baker, funeral director.

Betty Jean Combs

Mrs. Betty Jean Combs, 70, 604 S. Highview Road, died at 1:15 p.m. Monday at Middletown Regional Hospital where she had been a patient for a day.

She was a lifelong resident of Middletown and was a member of the Towne Boulevard Church of God.

Survivors include her husband, David E. of Middletown; a daughter, Mrs. Sandra J. Scott of Carlisle; two sons, Reginald D. Combs of Houston, Texas, and David A. Combs of Middletown; a sister, Mrs. Barbara Walters of Middletown; a brother Frank Neal Jr. of Franklin; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Joseph R. Baker Funeral Home, the Rev. Henry Howard officiating. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery.

Child Succumbs to Summer Complaint
Bobby Combs

Bobby, nine-months-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Combs, of 1708 York, died at the residence Friday afternoon following a two weeks illness. The infant had been suffering from summer complaint.

Besides the parents, the infant leaves three brothers and seven sisters. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. from the residence, with burial at Woodside Cemetery.

Bobby Lee Combs

Services for Bobby Lee Combs, 48, 2112 Wellington Road, will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Joseph Baker Funeral Home with the Rev. Phillip Moon officiating.

Mr. Combs died Monday at Middletown Regional Hospital where he had been a patient for a week.

Burial will be at at Woodside Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

A lifelong resident of Middletown, he worked as a railroad brakeman at Armco. He was a member of the Buena Vista First Church of God.

He is survived by his wife, Lorine, a stepson, Michael Jagger of Middletown; his mother, Laverne Coble of Salt Lick, Ky., two sisters, May Lykins of Middletown and Phyllis Hairfield of Goshen; and two grandchildren.

Infant Dies
Callie Combs

Callie, the one-year-old child of Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland Combs, died last night at 7:30 o'clock at the home of its parents on South Sycamore Street. The funeral was held this afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the residence and was in charge of Rev. Foster. Burial was made in the Middletown Cemetery by Wilson.

Callie COMBS Reynolds

Mrs. Callie Reynolds, 76, 1520 Fairmont St., died Wednesday at Middletown Regional Hospital where she had been a patient for a month.

The native of Lee County, Ky., she had lived here for 17 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clay, who died in 1964, and by a sister, Mrs. Mattie Smith, a brother, William Boyd, and a son Lee Reynolds. [*see correction]

Surviving are two sons, Dan and William H., both of Middletown; three daughters, Mrs. Wanda Embs of Irvine, Ky., Mrs. Eula Mae Embs of Lexington, Ky. and Mrs. Cora Jane Dance of Middletown; a sister, Mrs. Ruby Svarda of Middletown; eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Joseph R. Baker Funeral Home with the Rev. Billy Wilson officiating. Entombment will be at Woodside Cemetery Mausoleum. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 9 p.m.

The family suggest memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society

Surviving are two sons, Dan and William H., both of Middletown; three daughters, Mrs. Wanda Embs of Irvine, Ky., Mrs. Eula Mae Embs of Lexington, Ky. and Mrs. Cora Jane Dance of Middletown; a sister, Mrs. Ruby Svarda of Middletown; eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Joseph R. Baker Funeral Home with the Rev. Billy Wilson officiating. Entombment will be at Woodside Cemetery Mausoleum. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 9 p.m.

The family suggest memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.

Calvin Coalridge Combs

SOMERVILLE - Services for Calvin C. Combs, 66, 13667 Ohio 122, will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Heavenly Highway Tabernacle with the Revs.Billy Wilson and Lawrence Bishop officiating.

Mr. Combs died at 10:39 p.m. Sunday in the emergency room at Middletown Regional Hospital after being stricken at home.

Burial will be in Valley View Memorial Gardens, Xenia.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, Middletown.

The Perry County, Ky., native worked 39 years at the Harrison-Thomas Drop Forge Co., Dayton. He was a member of the Heavenly Highway Tabernacle.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Avenelle Combs; two sons, Roger and Calvin Lannie, both of Dayton; a step daughter, Diane Lewis of Somerville; two stepsons, Haran Lewis of Camden and Daniel Lewis of Somerville; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Laura Napier of Kentucky; and a half brother, Sherman Combs of Indiana.

Carl Combs

Carl Combs, 49, of 4900 Central Ave., died at 9 p.m. yesterday at Middletown Hospital, where he was a patient one day. He had had an extended illness.

Mr. Combs was a veteran of the Korean War, was senior draftsman in the metal products division of Armco Steel Corp., where he worked for 20 years. He retired in January due to ill health.

He was a member of the Breiel Boulevard First Church of God and was an active participant in its music programs and various other committees in Sunday's church bulletin, a letter was reprinted from Mr. Combs expressing his appreciation to members of the Men of the Church of God, of which he was a member, who painted his home two weeks ago while he was in the hospital.

Carlie Combs

COMBS - Mrs. Carlie, 1808 Lawn Avenue, died unexpectedly Wednesday night at 11:30 o'clock at her home. She is survived by her husband, Matt; two sons and one daughter. Funeral arrangements in charge of Joseph R. Baker, will announced later.

Infant Buried In Middletown Cemetery
Charles Edward Combs

Funeral services for Charles, one-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. James Combs, 522 Moore Street, who died Sunday, were held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Burial was made in Middletown Cemetery in charge of Undertaker W. N. McCoy.

Charles Edward Combs Sr.

Charles Edward Combs Sr., 74, of North Breiel Boulevard, died at 7:40 p.m. Wednesday at Middletown Regional Hospital, where he had been a patient for three days.

A Middletown native, he had lived here his entire lifetime and was as Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Mr. Combs was formerly employed as a superintendent at St. Regis Paper Co., where he worked for 24 years, retiring in 1972. He was a member of the Breiel Boulevard Church of God and the American Legion Post 218.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Fern L.; three sons, C. Edward Combs Jr. and Rodney Alan Combs, both of Middletown, and Mark Andrew of Franklin; three brothers, Ray, Donald and Jerry all of Middletown; three sisters, Ella Hines and Wanda Faulkner, both of Middletown, and Nancy Ballard of Springboro; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Ollie Combs; two sisters, Shirley Phillips and Millie Combs; and a brother Clayton.

Funeral services are set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Joseph R. Baker Funeral Home, with the Rev. J. Herschel Caudill officiating. Burial will be at Butler County Memorial Park.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or a charity of choice.

Charles R. Combs

Charles R. Combs, 73, of Middletown, died Thursday evening, Dec. 10, 1998, at Middletown Regional Hospital.

He was born in Middletown on Oct. 12, 1925, a son of Keen and Josephine Combs, and was a lifelong resident. Mr. combs was a World War II Navy veteran. He had worked as a painter and retired from the Joe Johnson Construction Co.

He is survived by five daughters, Rita Igo and Penny Combs, both of Tampa, Fla., Bonnie Hamilton of Miamisburg and Crystal Cornett and Sherry Combs, both of Middletown; four sons, Eugene Combs of Trenton, Jerry and Ray Combs, both of Troy, Ohio, and Mike Combs of Middletown; 33 grandchildren and several great-grand-children; and a brother Goodlow Combs of Middletown.

Girl, 5, Dies; Injured In Tumble From Rocker
Cheryl Ann Combs

Cheryl Ann Combs, five-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Combs of Hale Avenue, Germantown, died at 5:30 a.m. today at Middletown Hospital. The child had suffered head injuries Nov. 20 when she fell off of a rocking chair.

The girl was examined by a doctor the day after the accident, when she complained of pain and was admitted to the hospital the following Sunday. She was dismissed the day before Thanksgiving Day and readmitted last Wednesday. Surgery was performed yesterday.

An autopsy was performed today.

Cheryl Ann was born in Middletown and was a resident here until Oct. 12 when the family moved to Germantown. She attended kindergarten at Posttown School.

Surviving are her parents; three brothers, Ricky, Mark, and David, and a sister, Linda Ruth, all at home; and the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dillon Murphy of Frenchburg, Ky.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Joseph R. Baker & Sons Funeral Home, with the Rev. Rodney Williams officiating. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Posttown.

Friends may call at the funeral home Monday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Cleveland Combs

Cleveland Combs, 68, of 622 Waite St., died at 3: 45 p.m. Friday at his residence. Ill the last three months, Mr. Combs had been bedfast for a week.

A resident of Middletown since 1916, Mr. Combs was a tile setter by trade for the past 40 years was associated with J. W. Holman.

The father of Lt. James Combs and Patrolman John Combs of the Middletown Police Department, he is also survived by his wife, Nettie; two other sons, David and Cleveland Jr.; five daughters, Mrs. Etta Bechner, Mrs. Grace Short, Mrs. Lois Back, Mrs. Ruth Higgins and Nona Osborne, all of Middletown; a brother, Otto of Gratis; three sisters, Mrs. Mollie Fultz of Michigan, Mrs, Josephine Combs of Middletown and Mrs. Leath Dixion of Maysville, Ky.

Friends may call at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home Monday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 10 p.m. The body will lie in state at the Full Gospel Tabernacle on North Verity Parkway from noon Tuesday until time of service at 2 p.m. The Rev. J. W. Sullivan will officiate. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.

Clifford Lee Combs

Clifford L. Combs, 63, of 202 Burton Road, died at 11:42 p.m. Tuesday at Middletown Hospital.

Mr. Combs, who was born in Michigan but lived here most of his life, had been seriously ill for the past four months.

He worked as a car painter for 40 years at Lincoln-Mercury dealership and Gross Body Shop, retiring in 1979.

Mr. Combs was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of Jefferson Lodge 90, F&AM.

Survivors include his wife, Onda; a son, Joseph of Middletown; five brothers, Harlan, Thomas, Edward, David and Elmer, all of Middletown; two sisters, Mrs. Freida Hall and Miss Margaret Combs, both of Middletown; and two grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Woodside Cemetery, with Dr. Howard Sears officiating.

Friends may call at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

The family request memorial contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society.

Clyde Combs Sr. Dies At 64; Plumber For Armco
Clyde F. Combs Sr.

Clyde F. Combs Sr., 64, died at 5:30 a.m. today at his home 411 Young St., after an illness of two days.

Mr. Combs an Armco employee 36 years was associated with the master plumbers division of the company at the General Office building. At one time he operated his own plumbing business here for 12 years.

Surviving are his wife Margaret Root Combs; two sons, Clyde Jr. of Spokane, Wash., and Jack Combs of Middletown; two daughters, Mrs. William Spies of Middletown and Mrs. George Meloy of Lebanon; six grandchildren; two brothers, Leslie of Middletown and Carl Combs of Oakland, Calif.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First EUB Church, with the Rev. E. R. Turner and the Rev. E. H. Hammon officiating. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow and at the church after noon Wednesday.

Darline Combs

Funeral services for Darline Combs, three-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Combs of West Middletown Rt. 1, will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.

The child died at 1:55 a.m. Saturday at Middletown Hospital.

Month-Old-Son Dies Wednesday
Darrell Combs

Darrell, one-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Combs, of Rural Route One, Green Acres, died Wednesday morning at 7:30 o'clock.

The infant died at Middletown Hospital.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the late residence, Rev. R. C. Caudill of the Church of God officiating. Burial will be made in Middletown Cemetery.

Dessa Combs

Mrs. Dessa Combs, 94, of 511 N. Marshall Road, died at 5:40 p.m. Friday at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home where she had been a patient for two years.

A native of Jackson, Ky., Mrs. Combs moved to Middletown in 1916 where she and her husband operated Combs Grocery. Before moving to Middletown she was a teacher in Jackson.

Mrs. Combs was a member of the Prosser Chapter Order of Eastern Star for more than 50 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, in 1962, and a son, Alton in, 1967.

Survivors include a son, Owen of Middletown; six grandchildren; 12 great-grand-children; and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home with the Rev. Howard Sears officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to a favorite charity.

Donald Ledford Combs

Donald L. Combs, 82, of 112 Webster St., was dead on arrival at Middletown Hospital at 10:35 a.m. Sunday where he was taken after collapsing at home.

Mr. Combs was born in Kentucky and had been a resident of Middletown 20 years. He was a retired employee of the Columbia Gas System in Menifee County, Ky.

Surviving are a son , Bobby, of Frenchburg, Ky.; two daughters, Mrs. Rose Foist of Middletown and Mrs. Virgie Branman of Frenchburg; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Hamilton Chapel, Hankins Branch, Ky.

Friends may call at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home Monday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Earl Combs

Earl Combs, 58, of 108 Monroe St., died yesterday at Middletown Hospital where he had been a patient for 10 days.

He was a native of Middletown and lived here all his life.

Mr. Hunter [Combs] was retired from Armco. He also served in the Army during World War II.

He was a member of Junior Order of United American Mechanics and a former member of Box 45.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred; one son Rick of Trenton; six brothers, Harlan, Clifford, Clarence, David, Elmer and Thomas Combs, all of Middletown; two sisters, Mrs. Freida Hall and Miss Margaret Combs, both of Middletown; and three grandchildren.

Services will be Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Riggs Funeral Home with the Rev. Harold Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home Monday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Edna Combs

Mrs. Edna Combs, 70, of 6501 Germantown Road, died at Middletown Hospital today at 1:10 a.m. after an illness of 54 weeks.

Mrs. Combs lived here since 1948 and was previously of LaFollette, Tenn.

She is survived by her husband Wise; a daughter, Mrs. Sandy Gale Gordon of Middletown: two brothers, Uriah Boshears of Middletown and Riley Boshears of Warren, Mich.; and two sisters, Mrs. Vivian Curfman of Middletown and Mrs. Ethel Carroll of LaFollette, Tenn.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Breitenbach-McCoy- Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Donald Steffy officiating. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park.

Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Woman Expires At Home of Daughter
Survived By 94 Great Grand Children

Elizabeth Combs

Mrs. Elizabeth Combs. 74, died at 4:45 P.M. Wednesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Obadiah Baker of 300 Crawford Street.

She had been in failing health the past year and bedfast much of the last three months.

Mrs. Combs was the widow of Fred Combs. Since his death, Mrs. Combs had made her home among her children for more than 20 years. She came to Middletown 22 years ago from Densington, Ky., where she affiliated with the Church of God when 14 years old. She devoted herself to the interests of the Crawford Street Church of God.

Mrs. Combs is survived by six daughters, Mrs. Barker, Mrs. Louemma Lovelace, of this city, Mrs. Florence Byrd, of Fort Wayne, Ind., Mrs. Minnie Wells of Densington, Ky.; Mrs. Merribee Wells, of Big Woods, Ky., Mrs. Minnie Frisby of Fort Wayne, Ind.; one son, Everett Combs, of Densington, Ky.; 52 grandchildren and 94 great grandchildren, five sisters, Mrs. Lou Barker, and Mrs. Mellissa McClanahan of Middletown; Mrs. Martha Byrd, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Mrs. Catherine Spencer, of Texas, and one brother Frank Sorrell, of Scranton, Ky.

The Rev. R. C. Caudill pastor of the Church of God, will conduct the funeral at 7:30 P.M. Thursday at the Baker Funeral Home. The body will be sent to to Densington, Ky. Friday for burial.

Ella Combs Hines

Mrs. Ella Combs Hines, 88, of Middletown, passed away Saturday, Nov. 6, 1999, at 5:15 p.m. at Middletown Regional Hospital where she had been a patient for one day.

She was born Feb. 21, 1911, in Kentucky, but lived in Middletown most of her life. She was formerly employed as a waitress for the Colony Restaurant. She was then manager of the cafeteria for Garfield School of Middletown City Schools and during the summers served as the director for the Fresh Air Camp. Prior to her retirement, she served as the Bakery Department Manager at Middletown High School. She was a member of the Breiel Boulevard First Church of God and the Order of Eastern Star. Cooking was her vocation and her hobby and everyone enjoyed the delicious meals she prepared.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Ollie (Estes) Combs; her husband, Clyde R. Hines, in 1993; a son, Gary Hines, in 1961; two sisters, Shirley Phillips and Millie Combs; and two brothers, Clayton Combs and Charles E. Combs.

She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Marilyn Lindsay, and husband Kenneth of Middletown; three brothers, Ray Combs and wife Glenna, Don Combs and wife Donna, and Jerry Combs and wife Isle, all of Middletown; two sisters, Wanda Faulkner and husband Elmer of Middletown, and Nancy Ballard and husband Mitchell of Franklin; two sisters-in-law, Fern Combs of Middletown and Nona Scott of Titusville, Fla.; a stepmother, Bessie Combs of Middletown; four grandchildren, Tana Barker and husband Ron, Lisa Banks, Gary Hines and wife Debbie and James Lindsay, all of Middletown; six great-grandchildren, Lindsay and Keith Barker, Travis and Katlyn Banks and Meghan and Chelsea Lindsay, all of Middletown; two step-great-grandchildren, Tommy and Shelly Miller of Middletown; one step-great-great-grandchild, Corey; and a host of nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be today from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 Main St. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. David Colp officiating. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery.

MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Breiel Boulevard First Church of God, 2000 N. Breiel Blvd., Middletown, 45042.

Elmer L. "Bud" Combs

Elmer L. "Bud" Combs, 66, of 718 Elwood St., died Saturday afternoon at Middletown Hospital following a two-year illness.

He was an employee of Frigidaire in Dayton for 30 years before retiring in 1974.

Survivors include his wife, Margery; three daughters, Miss Juanita M. Combs of Middletown, Mrs. Lois R. Gochoel of Cincinnati and Miss Cathryn S. Rahmlow of Middletown; four brothers, Harlan, Thomas, C. Edward and David, all of Middletown; two sisters, Miss Margaret Combs and Mrs. Freida Hall both of Middletown.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Riggs Funeral Home with the Rev. Harold Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park.

Visitations will be at the funeral home on Monday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Contributions may be made to the Middletown Butler Unit of the American Cancer Society.

Emma Vesta Combs

Mrs. Emma Vesta Combs, 68, of Middletown, died Thursday, July 1, 1999, at Middletown Regional Hospital.

She was born in Jackson, Ky., on Feb. 9, 1931, to the late Harlan and Lucy Strong and lived in this area since 1960. Mrs. Combs was employed as a nurse's aide for 12 years. She had worked at Otterbein-Lebanon Retirement Community, Garden Manor Care Center, Mount Pleasant Retirement Community and Barbara Park Care Center. She was a member of the Dixie Highway Christian Center.

She is survived by two daughters, Martha Angel, and her husband, Eugene, Jerlan Combs-Tom, all of Middletown; a son Sid Combs of Middletown: three granddaughters, Judy Campbell, and her husband, David, and Joni Robinson and Jenna Combs, all of Middletown: five great-grandchildren, Jamie Campbell, Maggie Mae Nester, Michael Adams, David Campbell and Alex Angel, all of Middletown; a brother, William Strong of West Carrollton; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Combs in 1996; her parents; a sister, Gerladean Neace; and a brother, Sidney Strong.

Arrangements: Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 6, at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with pastor Rev. Owen D. Bowling officiating. Interment will be at Mound Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial : Memorial contributions may be made to the Dixie Christian Center, 5287 Dixie Highway, Middletown 45042.

Ethel Combs

Last evening at 6:30 o'clock, Ethel, one-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Combs passed away at the home of her parents at 1213 1/2 Sycamore Street.

The funeral services will be held tomorrow morning at ten o'clock at the residence, Rev. Lawson officiating. Burial will be made in Middletown Cemetery under the direction of W. N. McCoy, undertaker.

Eulah Louise Combs

GRATIS - Mrs. Eulah Louise Combs, 80, 305 Harrison St., died Saturday at Middletown Hospital.

She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Norma Jean Cook of Eaton; a son, Darrell Combs of Lexington, Ky.; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Zimmerman Funeral Home in Gratis, with the Rev. Lowell Spencer officiating.

Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery in Middletown.

Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Eva Ellen Combs aka Mrs. Flora Ellen Combs

Services for Mrs. Flora Ellen Combs, 78, of Van Cleve, Ky., will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the John Shackelford Funeral Home, Campton, Ky. Burial will be in Tyra Cemetery, Van Cleve, Ky.

Mrs. Combs died yesterday at Middletown Hospital. She was visiting a son, James King, 3412 Jewell St., where she became ill.

Local arrangements are by the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

Forest (Dale) Combs

FRANKLIN - Forest (Dale) Combs, 31, of 89 Maple Drive. Franklin, died Saturday at Middletown Hospital, where he had been a patient since Thursday.

Mr. Combs, who was employed by the Miama Valley Coated Paper Co., Reanklin, suffered from diabetes.

Surviving are his wife, Alberta; his mother, Mrs. Jane Combs of Conklin, Ky.: five brothers, Leroy of Hamilton, Eugene, Rollie and Kelly of Franklin and Dallas of Conklin, Ky; two sisters, Mrs. Lola Clark and Mrs. Ruby Ledford of Franklin.

Services will be held Tuesday at the Searcy-Strong Funeral Home in Booneville, Ky. Burial will be in Hensley Cemetery, Owsley County, Ky. Local arrangements are by Eaton Funeral Home of Franklin.

Fulton F. Combs

Fulton F. Combs, 90, 4695 Salzman Road, died at the emergency room of Middletown Regional Hospital at 5:34 a.m. Sunday.

Mr Combs was born in Hazard, Ky., and moved here from Owensboro, Ky., about 45 years ago. He was still active as a self-employed carpenter and contractor and had built his own house when he was 80 years old. Mr. Combs served in the Army during World War I.

He and his wife, Abbie, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary Feb. 26. Other survivors include three son, Jimmie, Douglas and David all of Middletown; a daughter Mazie Taylor of Los Angles; two brothers, Granville and John both of Middletown; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Another son Harold, died in 1984

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Wilson-Schramm Memorial Home, the Rev. Charles Wolfinbarger officiating. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

General Sercy Combs

General Sercy Combs, 77, of Middletown went home to be with the Lord on Monday.

He was born in Wolfe County, Ky. He retired from Armco in 1977 after 33 years of service.

He is survived by his loving wife, Helen; daughters, Phyllis Steffen (Amor) of Sarasota, Fla., and Sondra Esselman (John) and Terry Avine (Oscar), both of Middletown; eight grandchildren, John Allen Esselman (Denny) , Aaron, Jason and Travis Esselman, Christy Ricketts and Kelly Shepherd, all of Middletown, Chuck Ricketts (Kelly) of Fairfield and Christian Setffen of California; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Drafus Combs of Franklin and Eugene of Florida; four sisters, Ruby Taylor of Trenton, Eunice Lacey of Middletown, Omeda Johnson of Florida and Gladys Selby of Tennessee.

Mr. Combs was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary (Hatton) Combs; and a daughter, Brenda Faye Combs.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Joseph R. Baker Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dave Bowling officiating. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery in Middletown.

George Combs Is At Eternal Rest
George Combs

George Combs, aged 75 years, passed away Friday at 4 p.m. at his home1007 George Street of general disability. Mr. Combs had been in declining health many months and peaceful and quiet as his life had been so was his death.

Mr. Combs had been a resident of Middletown many years and being a straightforward and honest man was held in esteem by many friends.

The widow and several children survive.

The funeral will be held Monday at ten o'clock a.m. and burial will be made in the Middletown Cemetery.

Gertrude V. Combs

Mrs. Gertrude V. Combs, 62, 904 Stanley St., died at 1 a.m. Tuesday at Middletown Regional Hospital where she had been a patient three weeks.

A native of Dayton, she had lived in this area all her life. She worked as a bartender at American Legion Post 218 and the Sports Bowl. She retired in 1987.

She was a member of the Yankee Road First Church of God, Eagles 528, American Legion Post 218, and the Royal Order of the Moose 501.

Survivors include her husband, Jimmie, two sons, Larry E. of Franklin and Steve of Gratis; four grandchildren; a brother, Hobert Brewer of Trenton and a sister, Anna Brewer of Middletown.

She was preceded in death by a brother Courtney Brewer in 1990.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Joseph R. Baker Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Mullins officiating. Burial will be at Butler County Memorial Park.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Middletown.

Goodloe Combs

Goodloe Combs, of 1707 Texas Ave., Maple Park, a retired farmer and plasterer contractor, died at 11 p.m. Sunday at the Middletown Hospital, where he had been confined for the last two months.

Mr. Combs had been a resident of Middletown for 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; four daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Back, of Middletown; Mrs. Ella Gabbard, of West Elkton, O.: Mrs. Lula Larson and Mrs. Luthedus Haddix, both of Dayton, O.; a stepson, George Sharritts; five sisters, Mrs. Josie Combs, of Middletown; Mrs. Mollie Post, of Philmore, Ky.; Mrs. Clarie Hood, Mrs. Fanny Clary, and Mrs. Letha Dickson, all of Mazesville, Ky.; two brothers, Cleve of Middletown; and Otto, of West Alexandria.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Church of God on Clayton Street, of which Mr. combs was a member. The Rev. John L. Stephens will officiate, with burial in Woodside Cemetery. Friends may call at the Baker Funeral Home after 6 p.m.

Grace Combs

Mrs. Grace Combs, 57, of 316 Garfield St., widow of George Combs, died at 4 a.m. today at Middletown Hospital. In ill health for the past three weeks, she had been removed to the hospital at 9 p.m. yesterday.

A native of Virginia, Mrs. Combs lived in this community since 1926. For the last six years she was employed as a matron at the YMCA. She was a member of the Women of the Moose.

She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Mable Taylor, of Richmond, Va.

Arrangements are incomplete at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home pending the arrival of the sister.

Grace Combs

Services for Mrs. Grace Combs, 57, of 316 Garfield St., who died early yesterday at Middletown Hospital will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home. The Rev. Reuben F. Pieters will officate.

Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 4 p.m. today. The Women of the Moose will hold services at 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.

MIDDLETOWN MAN IS KILLED ONE INJURIED IN R. R. WRECK
GRANVILLE COMBS INSTANTLY KILLED AS AUTO WRECKED

George Stamper Driver of Car in Which Both Were Riding, Also Seriously Injured as Machine is Hit by B. & O. Freight Engine at West Middletown.

HEAD AND ONE ARM SEVERED FROM BODY OF DEAD MAN

Engineer Says He Sounded Warning But Immediately After, Machine Seemed to Pick Up Speed and Few Seconds Later was Struck by the Engine.

Granville Combs

Granville Combs, 22 of Wayne Avenue, was killed instantly and his brother-in-law, George Stamper, 27, same address, sustained serious and perhaps fatal injuries when their automobile was struck on the West Middletown crossing of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad by a north bound freight, yesterday afternoon.

Comb's head and left arm were severed across the neck and shoulder and his legs were badly crushed, death was instantaneous. Stamper was reported in serious condition early today at the Middletown Hospital with a fractured skull and a broken leg.

The fatal accident occurred as Stamper had taken Combs and his mother, Mrs. Margaret Combs, for a ride yesterday afternoon and had left Mrs. Combs out of the car at Main and Central Avenue to go toward West Middletown for some reason.

Witnesses say Stamper's car a Chevrolet touring, came across the viaduct at a moderate speed and that when it approached the tracks, seemed to rather swerve and then speed up toward the tracks.

The train hit the automobile a full blow and knocked it several feet up the tracks, the vehicle being headed south on the tracks when it finally stopped. Both the occupants were thrown from the car as it was struck Combs' body being found several feet away and his severed head still further up the tracks.

Stamper was not thrown so far, however, his body being picked up only a short distance from the scene of the crash. Ambulances of W. N. McCoy and J. D. Riggs were summoned hurriedly to the scene and Stamper was rushed to the hospital and given first aid treatment, which the physicians say may be the means of saving the man.

Engineer H. Swisher, of Lima who was in charge of the train with conductor E. C. Fisher, also of Lima, stated he saw the automoble coming as he came past the West Middletown station and blew his whistle. The auto merely speeded up, he said, which bears out statements of other witnesses who said the auto swerved and seemed to squeeze itself across.

Combs was a widower, his wife being killed in Kentucky by another woman a short time ago. He had been living with his mother at the address on Wayne Avenue for several years.

Stamper, a brother-in-law, came here from Kentucky from Lothair, Ky., but three weeks ago, and has been living with Combs and his mother. He had visited here several times before and was well known, having been employed as a carpenter during his stay in this city. Stamper has two brothers and two sisters in Kentucky, Mrs. Combs informed authorities.

Undertaker McCoy has taken Combs' body but was unable to announce any funeral arrangements last night.

George Stamper, Injured In Auto Crash, Improving
Condition "Fair" At Hospital; Combs Funeral Not Arranged

Condition of George Stamper, 27, of Wayne Avenue, critically injured in the auto accident Saturday which claimed the life of his brother-in-law, Granville Combs, remained about the same at Middletown Hospital today. His condition is reported "fairly good".

Stampers's condition is still serious from skull injuries and a broken leg sustained in the accident at the West Middletown B. and O. crossing.

The accident occurred when Stamper's Chevrolet touring car was struck by a northbound freight car, and was demolished.

Funeral arrangements for Combs, killed in the accident, had not been completed today, McCoy being in charge.

Stamper's Condition Remains Unchanged

Condition of George Stamper, Wayne Avenue, injured in an auto accident Saturday afternoon, when his car was struck by a train at the West Middletown B. & O. crossing, remained the same at the Middletown Hospital today. Stamper suffered skull wounds and a broken leg in the crash, which caused the death of Stamper's brother-in-law, Granville Combs, also of Wayne Avenue.

Second Victim Of Crossing Accident Dies At Hospital

George Stamper Succumbs To Injuries Received Last Saturday

George Stamper, 30, of Wayne Avenue, died at Middletown Hospital at 11 a.m. today, from injuries which he received in the accident at the West Middletown B. & O. crossing last Saturday, which claimed the life of his brother-in-law, Granville Combs.

It was thought that Stamper had a chance for recovery from a possible fractured skull and a broken leg, his condition remained unchanged since last Saturday afternoon. His condition was not considered critical the first part of the week, although uncertain.

Stamper lived with Combs and Combs' mother on Wayne Avenue, having come to Middletown about a month ago from Kentucky. Mrs. Combs left the car last Saturday at Main Street and Central Avenue, just before Combs and Stamper continued across the viaduct to West Middletown, where the machine was struck by a northbound freight train.

Combs was decapitated when he was thrown under the train, Stamper being thrown about 300 feet north of the crossing.

Funeral arrangements have not been completed it was announced this afternoon.

GEO. STAMPER PASSED AWAY AT HOSPITAL

The bodies of George Stamper, 30. and Granville Combs, 22, two victims of an accident last Saturday at the West Middletown crossing of the B. & O. railroad, will be sent to Jackson, Ky., tonight for funeral services and burial.

The accident occurred as Stamper was driving his auto, accompanied by Combs, his brother-in-law, and the vehicle was struck by a northbound freight train. Combs was killed outright, being decapitated, and Stamper was seriously hurt.

He lay in the Middletown hospital in an unconscious condition since the accident and
his condition rose and fell daily as he battled gamely for life, unbeknown to even himself.
He finally scrummed yesterday morning, however.

The two young men lived with Combs' mother on Wayne Avenue, Stamper residing here but two weeks, though he had visited this city upon numerous previous occasions and had many friends here.

Undertaker McCoy has charge of Combs' body and Undertaker Baker was placed in charge of Stamper, both men combining in sending the two men away together.

Hazel Irene (Cormican) Combs

Mrs. Hazel Irene Combs, 53, of 2120 Well Road, was dead on arrival at Middletown Hospital Sunday at 9 a.m. She was born in Cincinnati. Dr. Garrett J. Boone, Butler County coroner, said she died of an apparent heart attack.

Surviving are her husband, Lawrence; two daughters, Mrs. Ruth Campbell of Reading and Judy, at home; two sons, Ted Groth of Middletown and Thomas Combs at home; a brother, Willard Cormican of Campton, Ky.; a sister, Mrs. Robert Drain of Dayton; and a grandchild.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Middletown Hospital, with the Rev. Gary Miller officiating. Burial will be in North Monroe Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.
The information above is incorrect due to typo in newspaper.
Funeral services were held at McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, Middletown, as per Death Certificate.

Employe Collapses And Dies At Sorg
Herbert Combs

Herbert Combs, 60, of 3016 Queen St., was dead on arrival at Middletown Hospital at 7:55 a.m. today after collapsing on the job at the Sorg Paper Co. An autopsy is to be held to determine the cause of death.

Mr. Combs served in the Army during World War II.

Surviving are his wife, Nazzia; a daughter, Mrs. Virginia Bridges of Sarasota, Fla.; four brothers, James of Florida, George of Texas, and Woodrow and Eugene of Middletown; fine sisters, Mrs. Grace Woodward, Mrs. Carrie Dakin and Mrs. Edwina Hiller of Middletown, and Mrs. Cappie Kincaid and Mrs. Lillian Bruener of Cincinnati; and a grandchild.

Arrangements are incomplete at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

Herbert Combs

Services for Herbert Combs, 60, of 3016 Queen Ave., will be held at two 2 p.m. Monday at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with Rev. Howard Sears officiating. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Mr. Combs died Thursday on the job at the Sorg Paper Co. Dr. Garrett Boone, Butler County coroner, has not yet determined whether the death was caused by a heart attack or an accidental head injury suffered when Mr. Combs collapsed.

Not previously mentioned among the survivors is Mr. Combs' mother, Mrs. Martha Combs of Middletown.

Mrs. Josie Combs

Mrs. Josie Combs, 72, of 1220 Sycamore St. died at 5:45 a.m. today at Middletown Hospital. She had been ill four weeks.

Mrs. Combs was born in Powell Co. Ky., and had been a resident of Middletown 40 years.

Surviving are her husband Keen; four sons, John, Woodrow, Goodlow and Charles, all of Middletown; three daughters, Mrs. Ellice Deaton, Mrs. Clara Willoughby and Mrs. Effie Meadows, all of Middletown; a brother Otto of Gratis (Ohio); two sisters, Mrs. Latha Dixon and Mrs. Fanny Clary both of Maysville, Ky.; 36 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Clayton Street Church of God, with the Rev. Haskel Jenkins officiating.

Friends may call at the Wilson Memorial Home Friday from 4 to 9 p.m.

Kathryn A. Combs

FRANKLIN - Mrs. Kathryn A. Combs, 67, 7831 Lynn Drive, died at 12:10 a.m. today at Middletown Regional Hospital after being hos[italized less than a day.

Born in Wolfe County, Ky., she was a resident here for 57 years. She was a member of the Towne Boulevard Church of God. She and her husband, Woodford "Bo" celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary May 29.

Other survivors include a son, Robert "Buck" of Sheboygan Falls, Wis.: a daughter, Mrs. Tammy Combs Christman of Coldwater, Mich.; a brother Mort Moore of Hamilton; three sisters, Mrs. Ollie Whisman and Mrs. Fannie Watts, both of Middletown, and Mrs. Esther Bush of Franklin; a grandchild; and two great grandchildren.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Wilson Schramm Memorial Home.

Keen Combs

Keen Combs, 82, of 1220 Sycamore St., was pronounced dead on arrival at Middletown Hospital at 12:29 a.m. yesterday.

Mr. Combs was born in Powell County, Ky., and had been a resident of Middletown 40 years. From 1942 to 1955 he was employed by B. D. Morgan Co.

His wife Josephine, died last December.

Surviving are five sons, Ovie of Pine Ridge, Ky., John of Trenton, and Woodrow, Goodlow and Charles of Middletown; three daughters, Mrs. Ellis Hatton, Mrs. Clara Willoughby and Mrs. Charles Meadows, all of Middletown; a brother Wesley of Kokomo, Ind.; two sisters, Mrs. Walter Barker of Michigan and Mrs. Ethel Johnson of Florence, Ky.; 38 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Wilson Memorial Home with Rev. Clifford Hutchison officiating. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.

Friends may call at the memorial home tomorrow from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Lillian Combs

MONROE - Mrs. Lillian M. Combs, 59, of 4721 Salzman Road, died at the Middletown Hospital emergency room Sunday at 5:40 a.m. after being stricken ill at home. She had been ill one year.

Mrs. Combs, an Illinois native, lived in this area most of her life and worked eight years for Chevrolet, Moraine, where she was employed in the production department.

Surviving are her husband, Roger; a daughter, Abbie Lynn, at her home; her mother, Mrs. Breelie Mattingly of Middletown; three brothers, Roger, Ray and Ralph Mattingly of Middletown; and three sisters, Mrs. Maxine McCain of Middletown, Mrs. Trudy Lampl of Lebanon and Mrs. Marjorie Taylor of Fairfield.

Private funeral services will take place at the convenience of the family, with the Rev. Charles Wolfinbarger officating. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park, Trenton. There will be no visitation.

The Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, Middletown, is handling arrangements.

Lois Marie Combs

Mrs. Lois Marie Combs, 58, 1915 Hill Ave., died today at Middletown Hospital. She had been ill since August.

Mrs. Combs was born in Jackson, Ky., and had been a resident of Middletown 27 years.

Surviving are her husband, Woodrow; two daughters, Mrs. Judith Royalty of Carmel, Calif., and Mrs. Saundra Lyon of Hammerville; a son Michael of Middletown; two brothers, Colin Burnett of Reno, Nev., and James Burnett of Jackson, Ky.; a sister, Mrs. Thelma Davis of White Springs, Ky.; and eight grandchildren.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Lula Combs

Services for Mrs. Lula Combs, 72, of 128 Park St., will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Christian Assembly of God Church, with the Rev. J. O. Rosenburger officiating. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park.

Friends may call at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the church Wednesday after 9 a.m.

Mrs. Combs died Monday at Middletown Hospital.

Margaret Combs

Mrs. Margaret Root Combs, 79, of 411 Young St., was dead on arrival at Middletown Hospital at 9:12 p.m. Thursday.

She was a retired employe of the Board of Education. Her husband, Clyde, died in 1957, and a son, police officer Jack Combs in 1971.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Betty Jane Spies of Monroe and Mrs. Mary Etta Maloy of Lebanon; a son Clyde of Spokane, Wash.; a sister, Mrs. Mable Rempe of Middletown: and eight grandchildren.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Faith Methodist Church, with the Rev. Clifford Stearns officiating. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Joseph R. Baker & Sons Funeral Home Sunday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Mary Alice Combs

Mrs. Mary Alice Combs, 79, of 203 Old St., Monroe, died yesterday afternoon at Middletown Hospital, where she had been a patient since Nov. 7.

She came to Middletown from Wolfe County, Ky., in 1964 after her husband died.

Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Ruby Wells and Mrs. Buelah Chandler, both of Middletown and Mrs. Evelyn Propps and Mrs. Eula Miller, both of Monroe; two sons, Will and Ike, both of Middletown; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Tuesday at one 1 p.m. at the Campton, Ky., Church of God. Burial will be in Evans Cemetery in Campton.

Friends may call at the McCoy Leffler Funeral Home Monday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Matt W. Combs

Matt W. Combs, 80, of 200 Clark St., died at 5:50 p.m. yesterday at Middletown Hospital.

Mr. Combs retired 21 years ago as a civilian employee of the Army. He was a veteran of World War I and a member of American Legion Post 218 and Lincoln Lodge 893, F & AM.

Surviving are his wife, Margaret; a stepson, Barr Irwin of Middletown; and two sisters, Mrs. Blanch Hurt of Akron, Colo., and Mrs. Jessie Sparling of Green Ridge, Mo.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Grand Avenue Church of God, with the Rev. Henry Howard officiating. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.

Friends may call at the McCoy Leffler Funeral Home Sunday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m., and at the church Monday after 1 p.m. A Masonic service will be held at the funeral home Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

Millie Combs

Mrs. Millie Combs, 79, 912 Sorg Place, died Wednesday at 7:20 p.m. at her home after a short illness.

A native of Bath Co. Ky., she lived here for 73 years and worked as a cafeteria server for the Middletown Board of Education for 11 years, retiring in 1971. She was a member of the Breiel Boulevard Church of Good for 62 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie, in March 1974, and a son Carl, in 1976.

She is survivied by a daughter, Mrs. Nelda Davis of Delray Beach, Fla.; a son Eugene of Middletown; eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; two sister, Mrs. Shirley Phillips of Monroe and Mrs. Ella Hines of Middletown; two half sisters, Mrs. Wanda Faulkner of Middletown and Mrs. Nancy Ballard of Carlisle; two brothers, Ray Combs and Charles Combs both of Middletown; and two half brothers, Donald Combs and Jerry Combs, both of Middletown.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Joseph R. Baker Funeral Home, the Rev. J. Herschel Caudill officiating. Entombment will be at Woodside Mausoleum.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown.
Note: Millie Combs was the daughter of Andrew Combs and Ollie Estes.
Andrew Combs was the son of George Wahington Combs and Nacy Reffitt

Ollie Combs

COMBS - Ollie, 46, wife of Andrew Combs, Rolling Mill Park, died 2:30 a.m. Saturday. Services Monday, 2:30 p.m. at Church of God. Rev. R. C. Caudill will officiate. Burial in Middletown Cemetery, J. R. Baker, funeral director.

Owen M. Combs

Owen M. Combs, 79, 511 N. Marshall Road, died Wednesday at 11;43 p.m. at Middletown Regional Hospital shortly after being admitted. He had been taken to the hospital after being stricken at home.

Born in Jackson, Ky., he worked at Armco from 1933 to 1968 when he retired as superintendent of the hot strip mill. He was an avid golfer and a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Mary R.; a daughter, Mrs. Carolyn Bake of Middletown; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A son William died in 1984.

Services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, the Rev. Roy Lausman officiating. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home one hour before services.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ or to a favorite charity.

Ruth Combs

Mrs. Ruth Combs, 73, the mother of 17 children, died Wednesday afternoon at Middletown Regional Hospital. She resided at 8201 Thomas Road.

A member of the Harvest Acres Church of God, she had lived here since 1949.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Charlie; five sons, William "Bob" of Muskogee, Okla., Kenneth of Camden, James and Thomas both of Middletown, and Ronnie of Fort Richardson, Alaska; 12 daughters, Betty J. Childers, Vivian Gibbs, Mollie Centers, Judy Begley, Teresa Combs, Karren Meadows, Sharren King, Penny Combs, and Jenny Baker, all of Middletown, Mildred Guerra of Miamisburg, Nancy Miller of Orlando, Fla., and Peggy Rackley of Dayton; 48 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren;
and two sisters, Florence Adkins of Jackson, Ky., and Cora Stacy of Hazard, Ky.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Harvest Acres Church of God. Burial will be at Butler County Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

Shirley Phillips

MONROE: Mrs. Shirley Phillips, 84, formerly of 5105 Ohio Ave., died at 7:20 p.m. Saturday at Middletown Regional Hospital where she had been a patient for one day.

The Beattyville, Ky., native, lived here most of her life. She was a cafeteria worker for the Middletown City School District for 19 1/2 years, retiring in 1986. She was a member of the Breiel Boulevard First Church of God, Middletown.

She is survived by two daughters, Eeanor Tolson of Monroe and Mildred Jones of Middletown; two brothers, Charles and Ray Combs, both od Middletown; a sister, Ella Hines of Middletown; her stepmother Bessie Combs of Middletown; two half-brothers, Don and Jerry Combs, both of Middletown; two half-sisters, Nancy Ballard of Middletown and Wanda Vaulkner of Columbia, S. C.; five grandchildren, four great-grandchilden; and a step-great-grandchild.

Her husband Charles W. Phillips, died Jan. 10.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Joseph R. Baker Funeral Home, Middletown, with Revs. J. Herschel Caudill and Andrew Back officiating. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery, Middletown.

Friends may call at the funeral home 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Breiel Boulevard First Church of God.

Walker Combs

COMBS, Walker, 79 years of age, husband of the late Magie Combs, 2124 Yankee Rd., passed away at the residence Sat. 4;10 a.m. Family will receive friends Jos. R. Baker & Sons Funeral Home Monday 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. The body will be taken to The Grace Baptist Church 12 noon Tuesday and lie in state till hour of service there at 2 p.m. Rev. Howard Sears officiating. Interment Woodside Cemetery, Jos. R. Baker & Sons Funeral Home.

FALL IN TANK PROVES FATAL TO WORKMAN

Walker Combs Killed In Unusual Accident At Mill

Death Almost Instantaneous
Fellow Workmen Unable To Explain How Tragedy Happened

Walker Combs, age 39, 1918 Woodlawn Avenue, was fatally injured at the East works of the American Rolling Mill company at 3 o'clock Sunday morning.

Mr. Combs came to Middletown from Booneville, Ky. Previous to his employment as a general labor at the East works last September, he worked as a carpenter in Middletown. Surviving him are his widow, five children, his mother, two brothers and a sister.

Mr. Combs along with other men was engaged in pickling sheets to cleanse them. The sheets are first immersed in acid water and then rinsed in hot water. Suddenly Combs' companions heard him scream from the hot water tank and rushed to his rescue, but death was almost instantaneous. His fellow workmen were at an utter loss to explain how the accident happened.

Official investigation to determine the cause of the accident has not disclosed a reason for Mr. Combs' being in any position that the accident could occur. The edge of the tank is waist high, affording protection to the workmen engaged in the pickling process.

The body was taken today from the funeral home of Undertaker J. D. Riggs to the residence. Tomorrow morning, it will be sent to Arglyer, Ky., where burial will be made Thursday.

SAY TRAGIC DEATH CANNOT BE EXPLAINED
Armco Safety Engineers Investigate Fatal Accident To Walker Combs

Safety engineers at the American Rolling Mill company, after a thorough investigation into the death of Walker Combs, 39, who was scalded in a vat of water at the East Side plant Sunday morning, said today that his death could not be explained.

Coroner Cook's explanation that Combs was thrown into the vat by a crane striking him in the back, was discounted by the engineers.

"Not a soul saw the accident, and the circumstances causing it cannot be explained," they said.

The safety experts were much perturbed by the accident. Going over the entire ground, they found that the vat was thoroughly protected by its height and by safety devices.

William Alan Combs

Man found dead at home by police

Middletown police and the Butler County coroner's office are investigating the death of a Longford Drive man.

William Combs, 52, of 4821 Longford Drive, was reportedly found by police in his home at 4:18 p.m. Sunday. Officers said they found Combs in a chair in a den at the home. They said he had what appeared to be a gun shot wound to his right temple and was holding a pistol.

A spokesman for the Butler County coroner's office said an autopsy was performed this morning.

Mr. Combs was born in Middletown. He worked at Armco from 1949 until his retirement in 1981 as an order correspondent in the Building Systems Division. He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife Marcia; a son, William O. of Middletown; a daughter Mrs. Jane Blakley of Kettering; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Owen Combs of Middletown; and a sister Carolyn Bake of Middletown.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

William C. Combs

William C. "Buster" Combs, 79, formerly of 840 Jackson Lane, Middletown, passed away Saturday at Garden Manor Retirement Community.

He was born July 4, 1922 in Middletown, the son of William and Dixie (McQuinn) Combs. He served with the Marine Corps during World War II, seeing combat with the 4th Marine Division in Saipan, Tinian, the Marshall Islands and Iwo Jima, receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Later, he enlisted in the Army and was discharged from the National Guard as a sergeant 1st class. He was employed as an industrial painter before retiring.

He is preceded in death by a brother, James Earl Combs.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah (Blair) Combs; a daughter, Elaine (Mike) Doll of Middletown; and two granddaughters, Saraj and Stephanie.

Arrangements: Military services will be conducted by the American Legion Post 218 Color Guard at the convenience of the family. Burial will be at North Monroe Cemetery.

William F. Combs

William F. Combs, 46, of Oneida Subdivision, was killed instantly Friday afternoon when struck by lightning during a storm that lashed Middletown and environs for an hour, then settled into a steady rain.

The same bolt is believed to have struck the training school building at East Side Works of the American Rolling Mill Company, doing damage estimated at $500.

Combs, with William Anderson, a fellow worker, in the employ of W. S. Clevenger, tinner, was unloading a truck at the city dump on South Main Street when killed. the two men were working inside the truck when the fatality occurred.

Detectives Raymond Frazier and Howard davis, with the members of Fire Company Number One, were summoned by Anderson who said he was unaware what happened to Combs when he fell.

The two men were unloading roofing scrapes from the W. T. Harrison Insurance Company building at 25 North Main Street and were hurrying before the approaching storm hit.

The fatal streak of fire cut a deep scalp wound on top of Combs' head. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Middletown Hospital.

Anderson was uninjured.

Combs was a World War veteran coming here after his honorable discharge from service in 1918. He had been employed by Clevenger Tin Company for the last six years.

Survivors are the widow, Mrs. Dixie Combs; two sons, William Carl and James Earl:
one sister, Mrs. Mary Sherer, of the city; six brothers, Fult, Granville, Curt, Cicero, and John Combs, all of Kentucky, and Lawrence Combs, of this city.

The funeral will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at the McCoy Funeral Home in charge the Rev. R. C. Caudill, pastor of First Church of God. Burial will be in the soldiers' lot at Woodside Cemetery.

The body will be at the funeral home from 2 P.M. Saturday to 11 A.M. Monday.

Officials of the American Rolling Mill Company said most of the damage at the training building was done to furniture. Fire is believed to have started when lightning struck outside of the building and followed electric wires to the interior of the one-story structure.

Scarlet Fever Claims First Victim Of Year

William Leon Combs

The first scarlet fever victim of the winter was William Leon Combs, two-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Combs, 614 Malvern street. The little boy died Friday at 2 p.m. and was buried Saturday afternoon in Middletown Cemetery. He is survived by his parents, one sister and one brother.

Willie Combs

Willie Combs, 74, of 1801 Highland St., died early today in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where he and his wife were visiting a daughter.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Joseph R. Baker & Sons Funeral Home.

Willie Combs

Services for Willie Combs, 74, of 1801 Highland St., will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Crawford Street First Church of God, with the Rev. Herschel Caudill officiating. Entombment will be at Woodside Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Joseph R. Baker & Sons Funeral Home from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today.

Mr. Combs died Tuesday in Ft. Lauderdale Fla., where he and his wife were visiting a daughter, Mrs. Nelda Davis. Before retiring he had been employed 38 years by Armco Steel Corp.

Other survivors are two sons, Carl and Eugene of Middletown; two brothers, Marvin of Lee Co. Ky., and Olney of Middletown; five sisters, Mrs. Ruby Svarda and Mrs. Callie Reynolds of Middletown, Mars. Maggie Raines and Mrs. Nannie Raines of Lee Co. Ky., and Mrs. Sophia White of Hamilton; and seven grandchildren.