Joseph Michael Combes

1971 - 2018

Joseph Michael Combes

May 11, 1971 - March 18, 2018

NORTH LIBERTY - Joseph Michael Combes suddenly left this earth on March 18, 2018 while doing one of his favorite things, biking at Potato Creek State Park.

Joe was born on May 11, 1971 to Margaret and F. Michael Combes, who preceded him in death. He was a 1989 graduate of John Adams High School, where he played soccer and football, and met the love of his life, Dawn Marie Taylor.

After 6 years together, on June 27, 1998 Dawn and Joe made it official and were united in marriage. While Dawn held his heart, the apple of his eye was their son, Zachary. Zach was Joe's pride and joy, and he could be seen at every sporting event cheering him on. They moved to North Liberty, where Joe was a reserve police officer for the town, a member of the North Liberty Youth League for many years, a member of the town board, an advocate for Herbalife, and an active member of the North Liberty Church of Christ. Through all of these activities, Joe knew practically everyone in the town, and was a smiling face, a funny joke, or a helping hand to everyone with whom he came in contact. Joe loved God's beautiful scenery. One of his favorite hymns was “How Great Thou Art” and Joe felt that sentiment to the depths of his soul. He not only captured God's beauty on camera as often as possible, but he also loved just being out in it - biking and kayaking, all the while honoring his commitment to his healthy lifestyle.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Dawn; their son, Zachary (Presley Gee); a sister, Heather Thomas; his mother and father-in-law, Ken and Deb Edwards; sister-in-law, Amanda Taylor; special cousins, Jim and Deb Gulyas, Cindy and Rod Bettcher, and Kelly and Russ Haimbaugh; and family by choice, Brian and Tracy Perry and family. He is also survived by two nephews, Tyler Draskovits and Tony Lee Thomas; and niece, Michaela Thomas.

Joe knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and is now painting those sunrises and sunsets that he adored so much. His absence on this earth will be felt every day, but he would want us to remember where our hope is found. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9. Joe loved God, and he will rest in His arms until we are all united again, for he is a child of God.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 22, 2018 at North Liberty Church of Christ, 65225 State Road 23, North Liberty, IN. Pastor Tim Stewart will officiate. A private interment will take place at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at North Liberty Church of Christ and one hour prior to the services Thursday. Palmer Funeral Home-North Liberty is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Joseph Michael Combes may be offered to the North Liberty Church of Christ, 65225 State Road 23, North Liberty, IN 46554. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.