More detail on this person: King City, MO: Roger E. Combs, Major General USAF (ret), 73, King City, MO passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. Roger Evans Combs was born on February 22nd, 1945 to Ruby Fern (Evans) and H.H. Combs and raised on a small dairy farm in Stanberry, Missouri. He studied Genetics & Reproductive Physiology at the University of Missouri-Columbia and planned to become a veterinarian; however, fate intervened in the form of the Vietnam War and he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1968. Roger graduated with honors from the USMC Basic Officer Infantry School and was selected for the US Army Rotary Wing Flight School in Texas. He served a tour as a Ch-46 helicopter pilot from 1969-1970, flying over 500 combat missions with his squadron "the Purple Foxes." Roger served over 39 years in the United States military and achieved numerous commendations including the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He ultimately retired as Director of Strategic Plans and Policy (J-5) for the National Guard Bureau in Washington D.C. with the rank of Major General in 2007. In 1972, he married Gloria Hasbargen at Andrews Air Force Base, in Washington D.C. In 1974, they moved to Missouri for Roger to resume Law School at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He began his legal career after graduating law school in 1975. After practicing in St. Joseph, MO, he returned to Gentry County and served as the Prosecuting Attorney for 10 years followed by 16 years as an Associate Circuit Court Judge. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, H.H. Combs and Ruby Fern Combs, infant brother, Gregory, and recently his beloved brother, Larry. Roger is survived by his wife, Gloria of King City, MO; his son, David (Jana) of Manhattan, KS; his son, Matthew (Joan) and granddaughter, Josephine; his daughter, Susan (Sean) of Queens, NY; sister, June Marlene McKenny; sister-in-law, Karen Combs and treasured nieces, nephews and cousins across the country. Memorial Services with Military Rites will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 7 at Hammer Memorial United Methodist Church, King City, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, King City, MO. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 6 at Hammer Memorial United Methodist Church, King City, MO as well as one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in memory of Major General Roger E. Combs to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and/or the University of Missouri Veterans Clinic to help veterans secure disability benefits including Agent Orange related claims in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 153, King City, MO 64463. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com
Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C.
This information was last updated 08/29/2018
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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