In Memoriam

1929-2022

Dr. John Combs taught English at Kentucky Wesleyan from 19692012, and in his gentle, thoughtful and winsome way, he shared his love for words and literature with several generations.

Born in Stafford, Okla., he spent many years pursuing his education, first earning his B.A. from Southwestern Oklahoma University in speech, followed by a B.D. from Southern Methodist University in theology, an M.A. from Texas A&M in English and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas in English.

Dr. Combs began his KWC career in 1969 as an associate professor of English, after having taught at several institutions in Oklahoma and Texas. He became a full professor in 1975 and was awarded emeritus status in 2002. He taught part-time until 2012.

He was preceded in death by his two wives, Vicki (Lyle) Combs '76 and Joyce (Hudson) Combs, and a son, Jody Combs. He is survived by two sons, John Cranfill Combs and Perry Combs, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

We offer condolences on the passing of the following alumni and friends of Kentucky Wesleyan College:

Garry Ayer '61 Paul I. Baber '50 Betty (Stewart) Bartley Tremaine Brittingham '99 George William Brooks '62 Rev. Benjamin N. Cain '55 Elizabeth (Greer) Cheatham '49 Cynthia (Rowell) Clausen '96 Dr. John R. Combs Larry G. Crask '70 Jean Cundiff Ernie Davis Jr. Jean E. Felix John R. Ford '70 Robert Fiocchi '58 Gary Gallup Bennie A. Horrell '61 Robert L. Horrell '62 Janice (Perkins) Krauss '59 Betty J. Morris '65 Leon G. Poole '71 Linda Potts '69 Joan Ramey Junius Redfearn Robert C. Rice '60 Catherine Robinson Sam Smith '67 Bishop Robert Spain Samuel Spears '46 Michael H. Welsch '74 Lillian Ruth (Elliott) Westerfield '53 Linda (Waldeck) Woessner '65

An avid golfer, poker player and trusted friend to many, he shared these words on Facebook two weeks before his passing:

"I am still without pain, and in poker I'm still able to fleece my buddies Wimpy, Henry, Dan, and Bernie out of their hard-earned moolah. In a few days, I will go into hospice. My world is a friendly one. I have enjoyed over 92 years of a full, rich life. I thank all of my friends for being the most blessed part of it."

Dr. Combs enriched and blessed countless lives, and his legacy endures in the many people he influenced and encouraged.