John R. "Jack" Combs

1937 - 2016

John R. "Jack" Combs

BALTIMORE: Pastor John R. "Jack" Combs, 79, of Baltimore, Ohio , passed away on Sunday, April 3rd, 2016, at the Pickering House, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on January 10, 1937, in Lancaster, Ohio.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy (Hand) Combs of 59 years; son, Mitch (Yalonda) Combs of Mason, Michigan; daughter, Melissa (Dennis) Keller of Baltimore, Ohio; six grandchildren, Eric Hansley, Nathan (Heather) Bates, Sarah (Wyatt) Borah, Gretchen (Andrew) Brashaw, Abigail (Michael) Hyatt, and Miguella Combs; sisters, Barbara Combs of Carson City, Michigan and Judy (Larry) Kiger of Tipp City, Ohio; many great grandchildren; and his four legged companion, Ziggy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Evelyn Combs; and his brother, Eugene Combs. Jack was a faithful, loving husband and friend of 59 years to his wife, Peggy (Hand) Combs and he always had unconditional love for his son and daughter.

At the age of 28, on Easter Sunday of 1965, he gave his life to the Lord. He worked as a millright at Western Electric for 18 years before entering the ministry in 1977. He served as associate pastor for 16 years at Faith Memorial Church in Lancaster. While at Faith Memorial Church he served as the Bus Ministry director and was responsible for bringing thousands of children and families to church. He later served as senior pastor at churches in Ashville, Wheelersburg, and Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Pastor Jack retired from full-time ministry from Reynoldsburg Church of the Nazarene in 2001 and served as a supply pastor for several years until his illness progressed.

Jack loved sports and the outdoors, spending much of his lifetime hunting, fishing, and golfing, and was an amazing friend to many people, especially to his life-long friends, Mike LeVeck and Dan Stires. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his joyful heart, his sincere love for family and other people, and above all his love for Christ. Until the end of his life, his heartbeat was still for winning souls to Christ.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday at Gloryland Church of the Nazarene, 3570 Coonpath Rd, Carroll, Ohio 43112, with his son, Mitch Combs officiating. Friends may visit at Gloryland Church of the Nazarene from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM Wednesday and one hour prior to the church on Thursday. A private graveside service will be held in Maple Grove Cemetery, Baltimore.

The family would like to express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Michelle Graham, the 3rd floor nursing staff at FMC, and to the FairHoPe Pickering House and their staff. Donations can be made to the Gideons International, P.O Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214 of to Gloryland Church of the Nazarene, PO Box 2554, Lancaster, OH 43130. Arrangements through the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com.

He was surrounded at the time of death by his family and loved ones, singing praises to God as he entered the Gates of Heaven.