Dr. Roger Joe Combs

DR. ROGER JOE COMBS age 71 of Ona WV went to be with the Lord on Sunday August 25th 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, Alva Joe Combs, and mother, Grace Pauline Combs (Dean).
Born 07-25-1954 Roger was a modern day Renaissance man. A graduate of Milton High School, Roger went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Marshall University and a Doctorate in Chemistry at Virginia Tech.
Roger's professional career began with research in coal liquefaction at WVU. It continued with extensive research and development at both the U.S. Department of Army CBDCOM at Aberdeen Proving Grounds MD and the U.S. Department of Navy at the Washington Navy Yard. Roger also conducted R and D at ITT Inc., the Los Alamos N.M. National Laboratory and performed consulting work for the Kalman Company.
Roger had numerous research papers published in various scientific journals over the years but was most proud of his many printed letters to the editor in the Herald-Dispatch Voice of the People which provided commentary on subjects ranging from politics to life in general including his last letter titled "Digging up the potato's surprising origins".
His other hobbies included landscaping and keeping tabs on and dispensing advice to his siblings, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Roger is survived by his sister, Jennifer Galloway (Michael), brother Jonathan (Linda), and brother Joseph (Robin). Nephews Andrew Smith, Dustin Combs (Carmen) and Alexander Combs (Mary Beth). Nieces Amanda Smith, Emily Myers (Travis), Alysha Combs and Allison McCloud (Austin). Grandnephews Gavin Myers, Bryson Combs, Murphy Smith, Cooper Young and Lawson Smith. Grandnieces Lilly Myers, Gracie Combs, Sophie Combs, Brystol Combs and Rylan McCloud.
Funeral services will be conducted at Chapman's Mortuary Huntington WV on Saturday, August 30, 2025 with the Reverend Roger Mooney Officiating. Viewing at 2 pm and funeral at 3 p.m.
Roger was a firm believer in education and supported the Roger Combs Summer Research Fellowship (SURF) at Marshall University.
In lieu of flowers the family of Roger Combs requests that donations be made payable to the MU Foundation ("Chemistry Development SURF" in the memo line of your check) and mailed to Mr. Lance West C/O MU Foundation, Inc. 519 John Marshall Drive Huntington WV 25703.
Online condolences may be sent to www.chapmans-mortuary.com.