Donald Combs

Donald Waif Combs, son of Everett Waif and Rosa Ellen Combs, was born May 21, 1935 at Couch, Missouri. He departed this life at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri Nov. 19, 2020 at the age of 85 years.

He graduated from Alton High School at age 16. On March 10, 1956, he was united in marriage to Alice Gay Case at her parent’s home at Myrtle, Missouri. To this union three sons were born: Randall, Kendall and Michael.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Davie, Ralph, Clifford, Lawrence and Russell Combs; and three sisters, Leona Combs, Viola Strain and Vesta Sanders.

Donald is survived by his wife Gay of 64 years of the home in West Plains, Missouri; three sons, Randall Combs and wife Beckie of Alton, Missouri, Kendall Combs and wife Pat, and Michael Combs and wife Sandy, all of Branson, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Ashley Stiles and husband Brett of Springfield, Austin Combs of Alton, Chris Combs and wife Molly of Rogersville, Missouri, Craig Combs and wife Bess, Carolyn Clark and husband Aaron, Kayli Price and husband Dustin, Kelsey Howerton and husband Jared, all of Branson; 20 great-grandchildren; other relatives; and a host of friends.

He started his career in banking at the Bank of Thayer where he worked for more than 12 years. He started as a bank teller and was promoted though the years to CEO. In 1973 he accepted the position as president and CEO of the Bank of Grandin in Grandin, Missouri and continued working there until he retired in 2004. He remained chairman of the board of directors of the Bank of Grandin for many years. He served on the board of directors at Alton Bank since 1988 when his family purchased the Alton Bank. Donald and his family purchased the First Community Bank of the Ozarks in 2012 where he served on the board of directors.

After retirement, he and Gay moved to West Plains, Missouri. Donald loved spending time hunting and fishing. His sons and grandsons would take him on fishing and sight-seeing trips to different states for many years.

Donald enjoyed having all of his family together at the holidays and watching his grandchildren playing in sports, especially basketball,

He accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 25 and lived a good Christian life. He taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church in Ellsinore for many years. After moving to West Plains, he joined the United Free Will Baptist Church and was a dedicated member.

Donald will be remembered as a loving Christian husband, father, grandfather and a friend to all. Our loss is heavens gain.

The family received friends Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, Funeral services were Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020 at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Jason Roberts and Gale Wooten officiating. Burial were Sunday, November 22, 2020 at the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc.