Lt. Col.Jamesm. Combs

Lt. Col. James M. Combs (US Marine Corps, retired), 89, Topeka, died July 4, 2009.
He was born April 3, 1920 in Gould, Oklahoma. James had a distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps.
His civilian life was spent working in the Aerospace Industry in Southern California. He was involved with the first Surface-to-Air Missile Launch and the original USA Space Shuttle program.
James was known for his extreme intelligence, wisdom and wit, and he was loved by all who knew him. He spent his last several years living with his daughter, Susan Appleby, in Topeka. He was preceded in death by wives: China Drummond, JoAnn Heard, and Helen Hodge.
Survivors include son, James Drummond (Deborah), and daughters: Jennifer (Raymond)Roberts, and Susan Combs Appleby; seven grandchildren, including Austin James Appleby and Taylor-Leigh Appleby (Phil) Frost, three great-grandchildren, and two brothers; Braxton Combs of Stockton, CA, and John Combs of Owensboro, KY.
A memorial service will be held at Penwell-Gabel Chapel Southwest Chapel, 3700 Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, on Friday, July 17th at 10:00 am. Inurnment will be at Washington Cemetery, Washington, Oklahoma on Saturday, July 18th.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, KS 66604.