Leonard Noel "Deke" Combs, age 85, died Friday, April 8, 2011. Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, April 11th, 2011 at New Life Assembly of God Church in Baldwin City, Kansas with Rev. Mark Halford officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church. Burial will be in Key West Cemetery, near Lebo, Kansas. He was born January 21, 1926 in rural Burlington, Kansas, to Ulah (Noel) and Lester William Combs.Leonard attended grade school at Martindale and Lauderdale country schools. He attended Burlington High School and was awarded his GED while serving in the U.S. Navy. Leonard served in the Navy from December 1943 until 1946. He was recalled to the Navy from 1950 until 1952. He served in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS LCS54. He also served as the ship's barber.Leonard was married to Mildred Irene "Dottie" Chatelain in rural Halls Summit, Kansas. They had three children as the result of this union. Dottie died in May 10th, 2010. Leonard was a self employed Auctioneer. He also did some farming and raised cattle. Civically, he led an active life as a member of the American Legion Waverly Chapter, the VFW and the Masons. He served on many burial details through his membership in the various veterans' organizations. He is survived by two sons; Doug Combs and his wife Debby of Baldwin City, KS, Clint Combs and his wife Brenda of Ark City, KS, one daughter; Jeannie Jones and her husband Tom of Coffeyville, KS, eight grandchildren and their spouses, and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dottie, and two brothers Robert and Troy Combs.
Leonard was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and he will be missed by many but he will be remembered forever.