Les Combs

Eli Leslie Combs, Jr. (Les) was born in the small Appalachian town of Hazard, Kentucky. As a boy, he delivered newspapers, was a Boy Scout, and eventually became an Eagle Scout. He was also active in his church.

After three years of college, Les served in the Army, obtaining the rank of Specialist Five and, after a full term, received his honorable discharge.

Les returned to college at the University of Louisville, working a full-time job at L&N Railroad in addition to carrying a full class load. He received a bachelor's degree in management and his law degree before moving to Las Vegas.

After a short stint as a professional gambler, he became a member of the Nevada Bar in 1978 and enjoyed a distinguished career as one of the most highly respected attorneys in Clark County. He served as President of the Clark County Bar Association and served on the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Nevada for six years.

Les volunteered a great deal of his time to community service projects. He served as a director of the American Heart Association. The Nevada Supreme Court awarded Les the Certificate of Special Recognition as the Outstanding Volunteer of the Clark County Neighborhood Justice Center. His heart for service did not stop after he finished practicing law, as Les joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to Kazakhstan upon retirement. He learned Russian and taught business classes in a large auditorium with only 3 fluorescent lights (that worked). It was during this trip that he met a very special young lady named Svetlana from Kazakhstan. Les sponsored Sveta's move to the United States to attend college at the University of Kentucky, where she received her Master's Degree. She has since moved to Houston, Texas, where she has become a successful financial executive and remained close with Les throughout the years.

In the middle of his Peace Corps duties, Les was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which slowly progressed over the years to limit his movement to a shuffle. Going to the mailbox was like running a marathon. Always looking for solutions, he had Deep Brain Stimulation surgery a few years ago, which greatly added to his quality of life. Unfortunately, Parkinson's is a progressive disease and every move became an immense effort, draining him physically and mentally. He passed peacefully on October 21, 2015.

Les was a special, sweet, kind, and funny man who impacted all who had the privilege to meet him. He will be loved and missed by his many neighbors, family members, and friends near and far, particularly in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Kentucky.

Les is survived by his sister Sharon Hettinger (husband David), his brothers, David and Glen (wife Jamie) Combs, and his sister-in-law Cathy Combs. Les, who said his favorite phrase in the world was "Uncle Les," is survived by many nieces and nephews: Davy, Cristi, Coy Jr., Briana, Justin, Brent, Taylor, Whitley, and Andrea. He is also survived by his very special great-nephew, Jack. Les was preceded in death by his grandparents Mama Sophia and Granddaddy Frank Adkins, Mama Georgia and Graddaddy Eli Combs, his parents Eli Leslie Sr. and Lois Mae Combs, and brothers Homer and Coy Combs.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Doctors Without Borders are appreciated.

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