Thomas Hairl Combs Sr.

Thomas Hairl Combs Sr., born June 25, 1932, passed April 16, 2024.

He was known as many things: among them Daddy, Husband, Friend, World Traveler, Hero.

He was born in the hills of Kentucky and died in Shawnee, Okla. He was raised to work hard, love deeply and live life to the fullest and he did all three. He was a jokester, a comedian, a diligent worker, a disciplinarian (when necessary) but most of all he was a giver. He would give you the only shirt he owned if you needed it, his last meal, his time, his advice or a lecture if you deserved one. Anyone who ever asked him for help was always given the opportunity to receive it, from a shoulder to cry on, a loan for financial difficulties, a meal to hold you over. He was a doer, if you called him needing help with something he would drop what he was doing and help you cut firewood, mow a lawn, plow a field, fix a car ... all you had to do was ask. The world is a little less friendly now that he is not in it.

He joined the military and gave 20 years of faithful service as a flight navigator and flight engineer. He traveled the world and enjoyed many cultures to their fullest, Germany, Greece, France, Guam to name a few. He was full of stories about his time overseas visits while in the military. He was a storyteller and he loved to see if you believed all the wild stories he was more than willing to embellish upon.

After the military he turned to truck driving and drove for both TG&Y and Anthony’s until both went out of business. He again travelled the United States and visited many interesting places. He was always bringing home something from everywhere he went.

Tom enjoyed camping, traveling, casinos and bingo nights at Shawnee American Legion Hall #16. He received the honor of being the longest member of the Legion and had the bingo hall named after him, the first one to receive this honor while still alive to appreciate it.

He married the love of his life Bonnie L. Combs (Cook) in 1952 and lived a long happy life with her until she preceded him in death in 2007.

He then married Diana S. Combs (Cassidy) in 2014 and had a happy six year marriage with her until she preceded him in death in 2020.

He missed both desperately.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Everett and Rui Combs, his brothers Glen, Bill, and Dave Combs.

He is survived by his sister Mary Combs of Ohio, and his seven children: Michael W. Combs and wife Diana of Oklahoma, Penny S. Berry and husband Tim of Nebraska, Debra A Biddy and husband Rodney of Oklahoma, Diana L. Combs of Missouri, Thomas H. Combs, Jr. of Oklahoma, Tammy D. Bonnell and husband Brad of Oklahoma, Amy L. Combs of Missouri; Grandchildren: Justin Combs, Kelly Jackson and husband Kevin, Kristy Darby and husband Matthew, Quentin Biddy and wife Stacey, Richard Biddy and wife Sarah, Jason Snook, Benjamin Snook and wife Brittnay, Aaron Bonnell, Caleb Bonnell, Jacob Bonnell, Hunter Johnson and wife Jesika; Great Grandchildren: Blu, Nickolas, Jewel, Alexander, Abigail, Emmellen, Peter, Grace, Austin, Kole, Tucker, Kale, Charlotte, Bristol, Grainger, Gatlyn, Brooke, Addison, Hayzle, and one Great-Great Granddaughter Rilee.

He will be missed; we were all blessed by his presence.