Harley Vance Combs, the son of Harley Lester and Susie Swift Combs, was born March 2, 1925 in Redding. He was joyfully welcomed to his heavenly home by his Savior, Jesus Christ, Wednesday, March 16, 2022 in Cape Girardeau.
He was educated in the public schools of Benton, Mount Ayr, and Redding. He graduated as Salutatorian of the Class of 1942 in Redding High School. He enlisted in the US Navy at age 17 and served aboard submarines in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He was very proud of his service to his country and was an active participant at the Maritime Museum in Manitowoc (WI), where the USS Cobia (one of the boats on which he served) is dry docked and part of the museum tour. He attended many reunions of the Cobia crew and enriched the tours when he was there by sharing first-hand accounts of life on a submarine during wartime.
His principal career was with the Federal Aviation Administration in the Air Traffic Division. He retired from the Cape Girardeau Flight Service Station in 1987. Prior to joining the FAA, he had various other jobs, including working at his uncle’s hatchery, working on a railroad line, and selling Singer sewing machines.
Vance was baptized into the Baptist faith in 1950 and maintained an active part in Baptist churches from that time until his death. He most recently was an active member at Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau and a faithful member of the Band of Brothers (his LifeGroup).
He married the love of his life, Evelyn June Hunt on April 23, 1950. To this union were born three children: Bonnie (Hal) Majors, Steve (Daphne Marler) Combs, and Mary Jo (Doug) Grinnell.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, June Combs; his three children, 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; a brother Ed (June) Combs; and sisters Lillie Ann Rinehart and Helen Combs.
Vance was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Sue Cole, Katherine Williams, and Jeanie Beockman; and a grandson, Jacob Marshall Combs.
He was a self-educated man, wise, kind, principled, and loving. His love for books, poetry, and scholarly quests kept him happily consumed. He was a role model for many, especially his children and grandchildren. He served his family by preparing a Wednesday evening meal for any years, taking his grandchildren camping, and many other selfless acts.
After his retirement, he faithfully served in the FISH Food Pantry, the Republican Committee, and the Cape Girardeau Senior Center, and he baked pies for the Celebrate Recovery Program at their church every week.
A memorial service was held at 11 am Saturday, March 19th at Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau, with a visitation held from 10 to 11 am.
In lieu of flowers and to honor this great man, please send any memorial gifts to the Cape Girardeau Senior Center, 921 North Clark, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. Cremation services were entrusted to McCombs Funeral Home of Cape Girardeau. To leave a memorial, go to www.mccombsfuneralhome and view his tribute wall.
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