Name: Visitation for Earle Martin Combs III
Start: 2023-11-12T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-11-13T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory - Barrington

Earle Martin Combs III, 93, of Barrington, passed away on November 9, 2023. Born in Chicago on March 12, 1930, to Earle and Lillian (Gauthier) Combs, Earle's life was a reflection of his strong belief in Jesus. His servant heart was apparent to all who knew him, guiding his every action with kindness and humility. Earle, a proud graduate of Morgan Park Military Academy and the Fred Archer School of Photography, also held an honorary doctorate from Northern Seminary. In 1954, he married Virginia Merring, and they had 69 beautiful years together. Earle's professional life was marked by his leadership at E.M. Combs & Son and his steadfast presence at the Chicago Board of Trade for over five decades. Beyond his business acumen, Earle's philanthropic efforts were a testament to his desire to serve, contributing to the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Manito-Wish in Boulder Junction, WI, and the Chicago Symphony. He found peace and connection with his family at their Northwoods cabin, enjoying nature, fishing, and watersports. Earle's passion for collecting stamps and coins, bird watching, puzzle-solving, and his love for the Langham Partnership were outshined only by his adventure spirit and his deep-rooted love for Jesus, which he lived out every day. Earle will be remembered for his generous spirit, his gentle heart, and his unwavering faith. Survivors include his wife, Virginia; children, Bonnie (Les) Etters, Earle "Chip" (Karla) Combs, IV, Eric (Claudia) Combs, and Leanne (Tim) Turnquist; grandchildren, Rebecca (Jake) Hasseler, Stephanie (Kyle) Boudreau, Lesley (Ryan) Valentine, Valerie (William) Robinson, Earle "Marty" (Laura) Combs, V, Matthew (Katie) Combs, Meagan Combs (Zachary Schwasman), Mallory (Jackson) Harter, Thomas (Stephanie) Ciccarelli, Michael (Kara) Ciccarelli, Philip (Sheri) Ciccarelli, Lillian Turnquist and Robert Turnquist; and 14 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, Nancy Cronin. A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 12, from 4pm until 7pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 W. Main St., Barrington. A funeral service will be at 10:30am at Village Church of Barrington, 1600 E Main St, Barrington. Burial will be at Mt. Greenwood Cemetery, Chicago. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Earle's name to Langham Partnership @ www.langhampartnership.org or Barrington's White House @ www.friendsofbwh.org or the Village Church of Barrington @ www.vcbweb.org. Visit www.davenportfamily.com to leave an online condolence or for more information.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Nov. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Earle Combs

8 Entries

Eleanor Hasseler

January 10, 2025

I loved him vary much so

Rob Grabenkort

November 13, 2023

Earle and Jinny were close, loving friends of our parents and for a time lived just down Oak Hill Rd from each other. Our prayers reach out to all the family and know that Earle is enjoying his eternal rest.

Bob Yeomans

November 12, 2023

What an honor for me to serve on the Manito-Wish board with two members of the Combs Family. Saddened by the news and blessed by the memories
Bob Yeomans

Jim Hanks

November 12, 2023

Earle was. without question or condition, a great human being. I knew him as a fellow Board member at Camp Manito-wish YMCA. He was unfailingly kind, generous and tolerant. In the din of many voices, his soft tones were always audible and sensible. To lightly paraphrase Swinburne, "Where the light of his life, Will shine, On the generations that live, Only Death dies." Surely the light of Earle's remarkable life will shine on all who knew him. Ginny and Chip, I am thinking of you. Jim

Pam Tyska & Barb Beck

Planted Trees

Stephen & Elizabeth Fraser Fraser

November 10, 2023

Mr Combs was always smiley and cheerful whenever we came upon him. He remember him as a renaissance man who had a deep knowledge and interest in varied topics, but his easy going, sunny disposition was what made him particularly engaging!

Dennis and JoAnn Demoss

November 10, 2023

It was a honor to know Earle and Ginny during our years in Barrington. Wonderful generous Barrington people! Heaven is richer today with you Earle!

Pat & Marlys McNamar

November 10, 2023

Our lasting memory of Earle is seeing him along Kemp Rd, perspiration streaming down his face, chainsaw in hand, clearing hazardous trees with his crew from Camp Manito-Wish. It was a privilege to know him and an honor to call him our friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

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