Jerry Dean Combs

Jerry Dean Combs, age 85 of Ozark, passed away in his home surrounded by his family on February 6, 2026. He was born April 11, 1940 in Forsyth, the son of Claud Oliver and Dorothy Dean (Thurman) Combs.

Jerry was saved as a teenager, and most recently attended Finley River Cowboy Church in Highlandville.

On December 17, 1961 Jerry was united in marriage to Jean Ware. To this union three children were born.

Jerry was an Industrial Arts educator from 1963-1993 at Ozark High School. He also was a beloved bus driver for Ozark Schools. Jerry served as director of Neal Grubaugh Pool in Ozark. In 1997 Jerry was elected Christian County Treasurer and served until 2003. Jerry loved hunting, fishing, playing golf, and the beauty of the outdoors.

Survivors include: His wife, Jean Combs of Ozark; his daughter, Lisa Berg and husband Sam of Bolivar and their children and grandchildren: Brittney Hawkins and husband Heath (Harlee, Halle, Holland and Boone), Cody Gibson and wife Hanna (Sadie, Tucker), Braden Berg, and Cooper Berg and wife Sami; his daughter, Teresa Picard and husband Kevin of Ozark and their children and grandchildren: Hannah Vanderpool and husband Ricky, and their children Jocelyn and Royce of Overland Park, and Beau Picard and fiance Jocelyn Lowry of Battlefield; his son, Darren Combs and wife Neysa of Ozark and their children and grandchildren: Dalton Combs, Keeley Combs, Shaeley Combs, Tiffany Reinhart and husband Logan and their children Audrey and Kohen, and Andrew Gonzales; nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Virginia Combs; and a brother-in-law, Max Ware. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Junior Combs.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at First Baptist of Ozark, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Pastor Jeff Bryant officiating. Burial will follow at Highlandville Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Ozark.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Fish-4-Tales/Anglers for Life, a local not for profit organization supported by J.P. Sell that specializes in helping disabled veterans and children fish and hunt in the great outdoors. They also work with many churches, school groups and other handicap organizations to make outdoor activities possible. 

Donations may be made on the link below or mailed to the family, funeral home or given at the visitation or funeral at the church.

https://anglersforlife.org/