Obituary of Howard S. Combs

Howard was born in Sioux City, IA to Virgil and Anna Mae Combs on June 12, 1931.  After his mother’s death, Virgil remarried Carrie Wierenga when Howard was fifteen.  His education was completed at Central High School in Sioux City shortly after he returned from his enlistment in the US Air Force.  After moving to Yankton in 1952, he married Joyce Smith on June 19, 1952 in Yankton, SD and had two sons and one daughter.  He was employed at the Blue Moon Drive Inn for several years.  He then worked various sales jobs in the retail field.  His last job before retirement was employment in the Yankton School System as a custodian.  He was active in the community including Sacred Heart Choir, Funeral Choir and Barbershop Chorus.  Howard was also active in the Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, and Boy Scouts.  Summers were special to Howard during retirement when the grandchildren would come for extended visits.  His creative projects like woodworking were a highlight to them.

Howard is survived by his wife, Joyce of Yankton, SD; son, Brad Combs of Cheyenne, WY; daughter, Kerri (Tim) Burrows of Brandon, SD; grandchildren:  Amanda, Samantha, Tyler, and Eric and two great grandchildren, Abram and Patrick.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister, and son, Shaun.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the One Spirit in Christ Campaign c/o Sacred Heart Parish, 509 Capitol Street, Yankton, SD 57078.