Glendol (Glen) Combs

Glendol “Glen” Mathus Combs was born to Jeff and Ola Combs on February 6, 1941 in Powell, Oklahoma. He leaves his beloved wife Marva Combs. He has three children: Curtis and Denise Combs, Shelly and Phillip Chappell and Brian and Tammy Combs. Grandchildren: Jeff and Sarah Combs, Melissa Morse, Melinda Chappell, Stephanie Martinez, Erica and Jesse Percifull, Joshua and Erin Chappell, Ashley and Chris Cox, Amber Combs, Brian Combs, Jr., and Maria Combs. Great-grandchildren: Alyssa Martinez, Jade Percifull, Kylie Percifull, Madison Matatall, Elijah Chappell, Liam Cox, Kinley Cox, and his loving cat Callie. My grandfather, Glendol Combs, passed away early Saturday morning. On Tuesday, we will be laying him to rest following services at Mesquite Church of Christ, his church home for many years. Glen Combs was raised in Chouteau, Oklahoma. He grew up in the house that his father built, and he ate from the garden that his mother tended. He had no surviving siblings and was the apple of his mother’s eye. They did not have a lot of money, but they were hardworking people with a strong faith. As a young man, he fell in love with my grandmother, Marva Combs, after seeing her at church. They married and started their family, which he supported by working at a grocery store while earning his degrees in economics. He often told how they were able to make ends meet by buying up the steaks that were marked down because they were about to go bad. He earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, and he always said that education was the ticket to enter the party if you wanted to earn a decent living. He must have been an amazing student because he was a copious note-taker and a meticulous learner for his whole life, whether it was for academic or spiritual pursuits. As a pragmatic man, he was thrilled to find a government job as an economist with the US Army Corps of Engineers. He built his career there and worked on many projects from Colorado to Nevada to Florida, eventually settling in the Dallas area in the seventies, where he worked until he retired (at which point he was so relieved to never have to wear a tie again!). As a retiree, he devoted himself to his family. He loved his wife and all of his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids tremendously. He made sure that our cars were running, our bellies were full, and our spirits were nourished. He could also be fierce and blunt, when he felt it was needed. He encouraged us in all of our pursuits. And, for me, he was a source of strength and support in my life when I needed him most. He never tried to make me ashamed of the choices and mistakes of my life. He chose to see the good in all people and encouraged us to make the best of any situation. He was a generous and caring man who loved his family and loved the Lord. He studied extensively about the role of the Holy Spirit. A few years ago, he and my grandmother took “the trip of a lifetime” to Jerusalem, which provided him the opportunity to see the lands where all of the biblical history occurred. He was so glad they went and talked about it all of the time. It was important for him to share his religious convictions with his family. My grandparents were always willing to bring any of their grandkids along for a church service or activity. He once told me that one of the proudest moments of his life was getting to baptize his great-granddaughter. His faith was a fundamental part of his character. He demonstrated integrity that is rare, which I know sets the example for our family. He loved animals, the country, and John Deere tractors. He had a quick-wit and a ready smile. He enjoyed outdoor sports—especially fishing and golf. Not to mention, he loved the Dallas Cowboys, and we all have many memories of having lunch at their house after church and watching the game—usually with sounds of boisterous cheering. As his health declined, my Uncle Curtis Combs has gone above and beyond to care for him and assist my grandmother in dealing with all of the difficult tasks that have arisen. My grandfather fought to stay with us for as long as he could because he took his duty as the family patriarch very seriously, and he wanted to be there for the family who still needed him. We are all grieving the loss because we want him with us, but we rejoice that he is now in Heaven and no longer suffering the limitations of his earthly body. In the end, he was surrounded by his family, both those related by blood and Christianity. He is survived by his beautiful and loving wife of 56 years, Marva Combs, who took care of him in his failing health. He also leaves behind three children and each of their spouses, ten grandchildren and four of their spouses, seven great-grandchildren, and one very spoiled kitty. He was much loved and will be greatly missed. Thank you to everyone who has expressed concern for our family. Many people have been praying for us, and we have been blessed with several meals to feed our entire brood. We greatly appreciate the love and support of our friends, our family, and the members of the Church of Christ during this difficult time.