Name: Visitation for Kenneth Robert Combs
Start: 2018-06-03T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-06-03T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Southeast Christian Church

Kenneth Robert Combs

Louisville - (1933-2018) went to be with the Lord at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walker J. "Dixie" and Loretta Combs and his sisters Shirley Combs and Delores (Jim) York. Ken is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 39 years, Sylvia, and their children Joan (Mark), Ken (Diane), Larry (Nancy), and Jackie, his grandchildren & great grandchildren, his sister Norma and brothers Donald (Elfie), Stanley (Carolyn), David, Jim (Mary Jo), Tom (Karen), and John (Kay), dozens of nieces and nephews, and countless former students and athletes he taught, coached and mentored. He graduated from St. Boniface School, Flaget HS, Bellarmine BA '57, and Spalding MA '70.

Ken loved to teach, tell stories, play the fiddle and go camping, fishing and boating with family and friends. His travel to all 50 states and with Friendship Force to 76 countries touched many lives and brought Yan (and Shan) to the family.

His gifts of teaching and coaching were matched by his love of gardening and painting, especially landscapes. Ken's love of the outdoors was encouraged by the Boy Scouts, the Civil Air Patrol and six years of honorable service in the Air National Guard.

A life long competitive runner, he set school and state records at Flaget and Bellarmine. He taught and coached track and cross country at Trinity and Thomas Jefferson High Schools. Coach Combs helped build the road racing scene in Louisville and ran summer programs for Metro Parks and Upward Bound. Ken and Sylvia helped 1000s of runners find the right shoes at Ken Combs Running Store until they retired and son Larry took it over.

A celebration of Ken's life will be held at Southeast Christian Church on Sunday, June 3rd. Visitation from 2-4 pm, memorial service at 4 pm. Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville and the Red Cross were favorite charities.

You are our sunshine, Papa Ken, and will be greatly missed.

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

Published by Courier-Journal on May 13, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Combs

Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.

7 Entries

Mike Lewis

May 27, 2025

I was talking with my wife this morning about my running days when I mentioned Ken Combs as my source for gear. Ken would size me up with a new pair of Etonics (if memory serves) and others as I increased my mileage from 70 & 80 miles weekly. He'd take me out to the sidewalk there at the St. Matthews store to watch my gate as I was an over supinator. I increased my mileage weekly until I was competing in 13.1 & 26.2 races in the region. In addition to shoes, I would go there every week for 20 years looking through his vast display of race entry forms. Back in my 80s & 90s running days...Ken was "the Man" who kept me running. Terrific coach, mentor, motivator and human being! Blessings to his family. Thanks Coach Combs. R.I.P. Sir!

Bill Sparks

October 10, 2021

Ken taught me how to be a better runner. I will never forget the first time I passed him in a 10K race. He was amazed at my strength and that I finally passed him. He and I ran several times in the park. Ken was a real motivator and mentor. RIP Ken.

Colleen Turley

Sent Flowers

Wayne Shriver

May 18, 2018

Our sympathy goes out to you Sylvia and your family and friends at this time of grieving. Our time with Ken was limited over the past 4 years because we became friends during our winter stay in Ft Myers, Fla . But that time was so precious and it soon became obvious that Ken was such an extraordinary loving person. We sang and played music together, we laughed and even prayed together. Ken will be missed, but will remain in my heart the rest of my life. RIP Ken Combs and may the blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the family as they struggle during this difficult time.

Love,
Marilyn and Wayne Shriver

David Brooks

May 14, 2018

Ken was a great friend and role model. He was instrumental in the growth of running and road racing in the Louisville area. He was always positive and encouraging. He left deep footprints that reflect his contributions to life and health in Louisville.

May 13, 2018

Please know that others share your grief and pray that the God of all comfort support each of you during your time of mourning.

Chaplain Tim Lott

May 13, 2018

Coach Combs was one of my teaches at Trinity High School. He had a big heart helping many people and the energy to accomplish so much. As a freshman in 1974, I remember Mr. Combs assisted in traffic control for the runners in the first KY Derby Mini-Marathon. He took his class to provided safety at each intersection on the 13.1 race course through town. Good memories! Mr. Combs you have crossed the finish line of your life's journey and now hold the most precious trophy of all, being home with the Lord. You will be missed.
I pray that God eases the families sorrow during this difficult time.
And blessings to you Ken (son), I am very sorry for your loss.

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