Ernest Eugene Combs Sr.

Cumberland - Ernest "Ernie" Eugene Combs, Sr., 97, of Cumberland, passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Allegany Nursing and Rehab Center. Ernie is now united in heaven with his wife, Helen.
Born February 25, 1927, in Kirby, WV, he was the son of the late Asa Benton and Viola Mae (Ludwig) Combs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years, Helen Marie (Hott) Combs. Ernie was also preceded in death by four brothers, Arthur, Madison, Granville and Paul.
Ernie attended school in Romney, West Virginia. Ernie enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II where served in the Pacific Theater.
Following his discharge, Ernie was employed as a tire builder for the Kelly Springfield Tire Company. He then was employed by the Allegany County Board of Education where he trained over 300 school bus drivers.
Ernie was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church where he had served on the church council, as a church usher, and as a member of the United Methodist Men.
A member of Potomac Lodge 100 AF & AM for over 60 years, Ernie was also a member of the Scottish Rite and the Ali Ghan Shrine Club. Ernie was involved in the transportation unit at the Shrine Club where he transported patients to the Shriner's Hospital. Ernie was a member of the South Cumberland Business and Civic Association, the American Legion Ft. Cumberland Post 13 and the VFW Post 1411. In this capacity, he served on the American Legion Honor Guard for many years. Involved in Fort Hill High School activities, Ernie was a charter member of the F Club. Ernie and his wife, Helen, volunteered at the welcoming desk at the Western Maryland Health System for over 25 years, and they also worked the ticket office at the Ft. Hill High School football games
Ernie is survived by son, Ernest "Gene" Combs, Jr. and wife Ellen; grandchildren, Adam Combs (Kathleen), Kristie Thomas (Sean), Kaetie Markley (Johnny); and great-granddaughters, Kylie and Makinlie Thomas, Ashlyn and Leah Combs, Taylor and Jordynn Markley; and great grandson, Canaan Markley; sisters, Mabel Morton, Hazel Greene and Millie Canavan; as well as many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law Pauline Saville (Merle Ray), Linda Nines; brother-in-law, John Saville (Joyce).
Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland on Sunday, June 30, 2024 from 2-5 P.M. The Potomac Masonic Lodge will conduct their memorial service on Sunday at 5 P.M. The funeral service will be conducted at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church on Monday, July 1, 2024 at noon. Friends will be received at the church from 11 A.M. until the service time. Military honors will be accorded at the church by Ft. Cumberland Post 13 Honor Guard.
In lieu of sending flowers, the family has requested that those who would like to honor Ernie's memory make contributions to Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 24 Humbird Street, Cumberland, MD 21502, or the Ali Ghan Shrine Club, Transportation Unit, P.O. Box 1416, Cumberland, MD 21501-1416.
Interment will be in MD State Veteran's Cemetery, Rocky Gap.