Donald Richard Combs

Lt. Col (USAF, Retired) Donald Combs made his last takeoff on January 14th, 2024, and was last seen heading West. He was born in Freeport, New York, a son of Theodore and Sadie (Beere) Combs. He was a graduate of Freeport High School, Brown University (B.A), and Troy State University (MBS). He entered the USAF in June 1960 and graduated from Pilot Training, Moody AFB, Valdosta, Georgia.

He was most proud of his service as an Instructor Pilot at Moody AFB and the USAF Academy; three tours of duty in Vietnam, culminating as an A-1 Skyraider pilot with the 602 Squadron (The Proud American on static display at  National Museum of the USAF, Wright Patterson), where he earned the title Sandy 1; OV-10 Pilot and Asst. Director of Operations, Sembach Air Force Base, Germany; Division Air Liaison Officer, 21D, Camp Casey. Korea; Communications Directorate USAF TAWC, Eglin AFB, Florida; and Director of Airborne Battlestaff, 7ACCs, Kessler AFB, Mississippi. He retired after 28 years of service and his numerous awards include Distinguished Flying Crosses and the Purple Heart. After retirement, he managed the Seadrift Restaurant in Crestview, Florida; also served over 4 years as an employee of Lockhead Martin establishing and instructing at the Air Ground Operations School in Khamis Mushaty, Saudia Arabia.

Surviving are his three sons; Daniel Combs (Debra), Richard Combs (Arlene), David Combs (Karol), and his two daughters Li-Anh Bayard (Gyles), and Kim-Anh Brechtel (Don); 7 grandchildren, 1 great- grandson, and 1 great-granddaughter on the way; his sister Jean Spiegel, and 8 nieces and nephews. His parents, brother Theodore Combs, Sturgis, Michigan, and a son Alexander Combs, preceded him in death.

He was an accomplished woodcrafter and spent many of his retired years making furniture for his children and special crafts for his beloved grandchildren and local elementary schools. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Disabled Veteran’s organization. Check Six.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Richard Combs, please visit our floral store.