Daniel "Dan" Combs

Dr. Dan Combs, 69 of Cookeville, Tennessee, passed from this life on Monday, September 30, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Dan was born on February 24, 1956, in Birmingham, Alabama. He was the son of the late William E. Combs and the late Bennie Colleen (Skinner) Combs.

Dr. Combs received an undergraduate degree and master's degree in wildlife management at Auburn University, followed by his Ph.D. at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He held graduate assistantships and research positions at both institutions but made Tennessee Tech his first stop for a full-time faculty role when he arrived in Cookeville as an assistant professor in 1989. He received a promotion to associate professor in 1994 and full professor in 1999. He went on to chair the department from 1998 to 2011. Dan was an especially supportive dad, and also supportive of other family members and friends. He was a professor of Biology at Tennessee Tech for 36 years, impacting countless students with his infectious passion for nature and wildlife. He was set to embark on a well-deserved retirement in July 2026, when he planned to spend more time hiking, fishing, traveling - even taking scheduled visits to Australia, and Central and South America. Dr. Steven Hayslette, current chair of the Biology Department, remembers Dr. Combs as "one of the most knowledgeable naturalists anywhere, always ready to share what he knew about plants and animals." Dr. Hayslette also described Dr. Combs as "a kind, patient teacher, who did so much to foster love, knowledge and appreciation for nature and its workings." Another colleague heralded him as "an incredible mentor to his students and … a constant resource for advice on topics ranging from academic advising, curriculum, and teaching methods," adding, "always humble, Dan's impact on his students, colleagues, and community cannot be overstated. The loss is tremendous, and he will be missed by many." Still another colleague called Dr. Combs "an incredible naturalist, an avid birder, a dependable member of the Biology Department Faculty, an exceptional educator and a valued close friend."

Dr. Combs is survived by family members, including Deb Combs and children Brian (Martha Wayne) Fleming and Amy (Joe) Maddle; brother, Randy (Cindy) Combs and nieces; sister, Cathy Cameron and nephews; and many other family members and special friends - some, of whom, having similar areas of interest, have been friends since elementary school.

A celebration of life will be held later; however, details are not yet finalized.

To sign the online guestbook and send the family a message please visit www.crestlawnmemorial.com

Arrangements entrusted to Crest Lawn Funeral Home - Cremation Center.