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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Frank E Smith Funeral Home.
Peggy and family,
I heard just heard today about Pastor Jack. I am so sorry, but I know I will see him again in heaven. I still go to church at Cross Pointe with my sister and brother. Still do a lot of singing. Pastor Jack was a great Pastor and friend. I will miss him. I used to be JoAnn Danison.
JoAnn Conery
June 11, 2016
Sorry to hear of your loss.You probably don't even remember me, but we went to church together at the Nazarene on main street with pastor Noel. My parents spent a lot of time with yours. they also send their condolences. Donna(Hill) Don and Garnett Hill.
April 12, 2016
So sorry to hear of your loss. No matter how sick or bad he felt when I cared for him he always made me laugh or smile. Bless you all
Linda Whetstone
April 11, 2016
Missy, I'm so sorry to learn of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time.
Lynn Fox
April 8, 2016
My love and prayers for you, Peggy, and the family. I was in Texas at the time, but be assured of my thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort. He is with Jesus and many friends!
Linda Myers
April 8, 2016
My love and prayers,are with the,Combs family during this time I always enjoyed Jack and Peggy while at Faith Memorial my deepest sympathy for Melissa and Mitch and the family may God comfort you
Suzi Mathias
April 7, 2016
Deepest Sympathy to the Family at the loss of your loved one John!! We are neighbors to Barbie in Carson City. Hugs ! Heaven gained another angel !
Jan and Mike McCrackin
Friend
April 6, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Theresa Haynes
April 6, 2016
I was so sorry to hear about your loss! My parents thought very highly of Pastor Combs.
With love...
--Betty Ackerman Burton
April 5, 2016
My sincere condolences.
Cheryl Tidd Farson
April 5, 2016
Peggy & Family,
So sorry to read Pastor Jack's passing. Kent & I always thought of lot of you both when we attended FMC while living in Lancaster. Although we have not lived there for while I have thought about you both over the years. I always enjoyed the ladies bible studies. Keeping everyone in my prayers.
Kent & Pam Moore
April 5, 2016
Kent & Pam Moore
April 5, 2016
So sorry to read of Jack's passing. Heaven has gain an angel. Well done good and faithful servant. He's at peace and not suffering anymore.
Linda (Notestone) Upp
April 5, 2016
So sorry for your loss Melissa. Prayers going up for you and your entire family.
Sonya Baeza
April 5, 2016
Jack was such a blessing and example to so many. I remember many times Pastor Combs would get in our 66 passenger bus filled with 80 and pray over us and smile and move on to the next bus. Thanks for your leadership and example. Prayers to all the Combs family.
Jim Antes
April 5, 2016
May you all be blessed with peace during this time. Jack was not only a great friend and family member, but never passed judgement on the paths that we chose as children. May he rest in peace with his Lord and Savior. We have all gained a Guardian Angel.
Teddi Kraft Shank
April 5, 2016
Missy...my heart goes out to you & your family! Jack was a very special man & the love of God & his family is testament to that! My prayers, thoughts, love & hugs go out to you & your family! May God comfort you all & give you peace & healing during this difficult time!! Love you!
Mandee Phillips
April 5, 2016
I remember Jack from our childhood days on Reber Avenue in Lancaster. He was fun loving and impish at the same time. The smile on his face could light up the room. It is obvious he became a very special man. With sympathy,
Wyonne Burt-Morningstar
April 5, 2016
So sorry for your lost. He was a great pastor. Will always remember him Love and Prayers
Opal Mustain
April 4, 2016
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