Stanley Eugene Combs

Stanley Eugene Combs, the son of Vivian Henry and Margaret Jane (nee Cathcart) Combs, was born on Friday, June 22, 1945, in Canton, Illinois, and, at the age of 75, left this physical world while in his childhood home with his loving wife of 36 years, Kristi, by his side on Monday, December 7, 2020.

Stan had a smile you would remember, and his sense of humor was ahead of the moment. Additionally, his intuitive ability to repair anything mechanical was stunning and impressive.  Stan was often found lending a hand to a friend or family member who needed his expertise.

Stan joined the United States Navy when he was 17 years old, wherein he was on the USS Enterprise and circumnavigated the world twice during the Vietnam War.  After his time in the Navy, Stan continued his career on missile tracking ships off the coast of California with his friend, Bud Webb.

He then went on to a career in the coal mining industry as an electrical and maintenance superintendent wherein he worked in Illinois, Arizona, Alabama, and Wyoming, utilizing his “riveting” mechanical and electrical skills working on colossal earth-moving machines.

Meanwhile, one might find Stan visiting with his grandchildren, traveling around the country in his RV, reading a great thriller, trying out new gadgets and devices, or his latest hobby of gardening.

Stan had much respect for the education and upbringing he received in the London Mills area. He especially enjoyed the many people he learned from along the way who encouraged him to explore all subjects.

Stan is survived by his wife, Kristi (nee Peterson); a daughter, Christy (Larry) Bailey of Brooksville, Florida; a son, Jason (Lynn) Combs of Nashville, Illinois.  His beloved grandchildren:  Kyle and Mckensie Shaft of Tyler, Texas; Patrick, Michael and Valerie Combs of Nashville, Illinois.  Sisters, Jane (Charles) Watkins of Bloomington, Indiana, and Karen (Jerry) Agnoletti of Farmington, Illinois.  Close relatives Aunt Eva Ingle of London Mills, Illinois, and Uncle Max Tessier of Washington, Illinois. Sister-in-law, Kelly Schmeeckle of Cozad, Nebraska. Brothers-in-law, Kent (Krystal) Peterson of Anchorage, Alaska; Gregg (Debbie) Peterson of Lyons, Colorado; and Father-in-law, Blaine Peterson of Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Nephews, Ben (Anne Karine) Watkins and sons, Nico and Lucas of Bloomington, Indiana; Chris (Haley) Agnoletti and their children: Parker, Sloan and Nolan of Farmington, Illinois; Casey Schmeeckle of Lincoln, Nebraska; Archie and Levi Schmeeckle of Cozad, Nebraska; Trent Peterson; Ryan Peterson, and Randy Peterson of Alaska; Blaine G. Peterson of Kansas City, Missouri; Bryan Howell of Chicago, Illinois; Aaron Howell of Amsterdam.  Along with many other friends and relatives.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Vivian Henry and Margaret Jane (nee Cathcart) Combs; mother-in-law, Arlene (nee Aden) Peterson; daughter, Patricia Combs; niece and nephew, Andrea and Anthony Agnoletti; sister, Carolyn Wright; and brother-in-law, Ron Schmeeckle.

As per the family’s wishes, they will be holding private family graveside services.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a charitable donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or OSF Hospice Western Region. Donations may be sent in care of the Wise Family Funeral Home of Avon, Illinois.  Please sign the online guestbook at www.wisefamilyfuneralhome.com.  Wise Family Funeral Home Avon, IL is in charge of the arrangements.