Memorial service: noon Tuesday at Christ Chapel Bible Church. Burial: Laurel Land Memorial Park. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Greenwood Funeral Home.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Fort Worth Meals on Wheels and Christ Chapel Bible Church Sanctuary Fund.

Gerald Lee Combs Sr. was born Aug. 25, 1929, in Dallas to James Taylor and Mildred Annie Combs. He graduated from Paschal High School in 1947 and attended Texas Christian University.

His wife of 54 years, Joyce, had known him since she was nine and he was 12. They were neighbors and childhood sweethearts and were married in November 1950.

He served two years in the Army and began his 43-year career at Lockheed Martin as a logistics management system specialist. He retired Nov. 1, 1993.

When his family and friends were asked to share some special thoughts about Gerald, his children said, "To our father, nothing came before family. His integrity and unswerving devotion to our mother and for us was unshakeable. When we fondly remember our father, we will reminisce about a stalwart, calm, peace-loving and gentle dad."

His grandchildren said, "The scripture that most depicted Papa was 1 Corinthians 13:4-89, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is never rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love never delights in evil, but always rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Love never fails."

Gerald's lifetime friends, Dennis and Jean Fegan, said, "He was a sweet and loving friend that led an exemplary life for all of us to follow ... and we know that when he came before the Lord, the Lord said, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant."

Survivors: Wife of 54 years, Ellen Joyce Combs; children, Renda and Mike Williaford of Granbury, Jerry and Karen Combs of Bartlesville, Okla., Brian and Barbara Combs of Aledo; brother, James P. "Bud" Combs of Fort Worth; sister, Jennie Lou and Charlie Vaughan of Burleson; grandchildren, Renee Whitsell Diehnelt and Deanna Whitsell Collinsworth, Emily and Natalie Combs, Lauren and Taylor Combs, Lauren and Nicole Davis; great-granddaughter, Alissa Diehnelt; and extended family members and friends.

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

Published by Star-Telegram from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Combs

24 Entries

Wendell Pichon

November 8, 2004

My heartfelt prayers are with the family during this time. What an honor to have had the opportunity to know and work with Gerald at General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin. A truly honorable man! My deepest sympathy to the Combs Family!

Drexel Rutledge

November 1, 2004

What a wonderful example Gerald was to everyone who knew him at GD. He was the consumate gentleman, friendly, supportive, kind, and extremely competent at his job. He certainly showed himself to be a "workman who needeth not be asshamed ...". It was my pleasure and blessing to know and work with him.

Godspeed to the family he loved so much.

Jody Hardie Snellman

November 1, 2004

Dear Mrs. Combs & Renda:

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Mr. Combs as such a nice man, and I know your family had a lot of love for one another.

I am not able to attend the service, but will be praying for you.

Sincerely,

Marilyn McDonald

November 1, 2004

Dear Joyce and family,

My sympathy and prayers are with you.

Love,

Marilyn McDonald

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Bill Ward

November 1, 2004

Joyce

We are so sorry about your lose.The last time we saw Gerald was at Harris Hospital, in the waiting room when Roy had his heart surgery.He was the healthest looking one in the room.

I always enjoyed working with Gerald

Our prays are with you and your family.

Betty and Bill Ward

John Carden

November 1, 2004

Gerald was a blessing to both Mary and I. We're thankful that we knew him and his dear family. We will keep his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. Numbers 6: 24-26

John and Mary Carden

Deanna Whitsell Collinsworth

November 1, 2004

Mimi,

Papa will be greatly missed by many! We all love you and him so much. Thank you for the wonderful example you both have always led on what a christain marriage should be.

Love, Deanna & Joel

John Brock

November 1, 2004

I also worked with Gerald in Tech Pubs. I remember he seemed to always be smiling and enjoying life. His picture is actually how I remember him.

Ned & Linn Beall

November 1, 2004

Dear Joyce,

It has been such a joy to be able to see you and spend a little time together these last few months. I have fond memories of you and Gerald from our years at Sagamore.

Joyce, you are in my prayers and thoughts. I am trusting the Lord to bring continued peace in the midst of a great loss. We rejoice with Gerald as he is face to face with his Savior. We love y'all.

Many prayers and blessings,

Randa Rose

November 1, 2004

I had the pleasure of working with Gerald at Lockheed in the Technical Publications department. He was a very kind and generous person who was highly regarded by others. Prayers are with your family.

Mary Jo Worthington-Brownell

November 1, 2004

At this sad passing of Gerald from here to our Heavenly home there is not much to say except that I am glad I will see him when I get to Heaven. He was a good man and well worth the wait to get to see him once again when we get home.

David Schruba

November 1, 2004

Gerald was a great man. I had the pleasure of working with him at General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin and I am comforted to know that he is now with his Savior.

Douglas Laird

October 31, 2004

Gerald was a faithful deacon in the church I pastored while in SWBTS. He and his family will always be held with love and appreciation in our memory.

Sherry & Bob Ferguson

October 31, 2004

Dear Joyce,

We will miss Gerald so much, but we know we will be reunited with him when it is our turn to meet our Heavenly Father. What a precious man of God he was, and what an example of Christ's love. Without a doubt, he was one of the sweetest, kindest and most gentle men we've ever known. We loved being in the Sunday School class taught by you and Gerald for so many years at Sagamore Hill. You were our mentors and the personification of what a Christian marriage should be. We were ecstatic to be reunited with you both at Christ Chapel. Our lives have been made so much better by having known and being loved by Gerald Combs. May God comfort you, Renda, Jerry, Brian and all your family during this time of separation from your wonderful husband and father. We love you all so much.

Don McCall

October 31, 2004

Please know that Tena and I are praying for you during this time. The Combs family are part of our wonderful memories of our days at Sagamore Hill. We are so sorry for your loss.

Jim (Jimmy D) Dunlap

October 31, 2004

I worked with Gerald within Tech Pubs at Lockheed Martin. He was a good man in all he did and will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Doris & Lawrence Klempnauer

October 31, 2004

Our prayers are with your family at this time. We have such fond memories of you and Gerald during our days at Sagamore.

Our love,

Bobby Boaz

October 31, 2004

To the Loved Ones of Gerald-

Gerald and I had many memorable times together at General Dynamics while working in the Tech Pubs area. I am so sorry for your loss. May God extend his loving hand around you in this time of sorrow. Bob

Shirley Hull

October 31, 2004

Joyce, Renda, Jerry, Brian and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days to follow. He was very special to David and our family. Our Lord does hold you in the shadow of His wings. Love Shirley, Rick and Mark

Jim Pedigo

October 31, 2004

Gerald will be greatly missed! I miss him already. He always had a friendly smile and a sincere "How are you doing?"

He was my Sunday School teacher when I first came to Sagamore Hill BC in 1969. To my observation, Gerald was always a faithful and consistent Christian.

Joyce and other family members, I know that you also are already missing Gerald's earthly presence. With out a doubt, he is now in the presence of our Savior and free from the trials and difficulties of this world. What a Treasure Chest of memories, you must have of Gerald! What a testimony you have already given in his obituary notice!

I pray that God the Father, bless and comfort you in very special and intimate ways in the days ahead. We all can look forward the day when we will be reunited with Gerald and that Great Cloud of Witnesses that has preceded us. What a Day That Will Be When My Jesus I Shall See . . !

"AMEN",