Submitted by: Dan Rich

Carl R. McCombs

July 19, 1920 - Aug. 17, 2008

South Bend Tribune 8/21/2008
SOUTH BEND - Carl R. McCombs, 88, died peacefully Sunday evening, August 17th, in the Healthwin Specialized Care Center. He was born on July 19, 1920, in South Bend, to the late Fern (Dowell) and Robert J. McCombs. Carl graduated from Washington Clay High School in 1939. Upon finishing high school, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps before entering the U.S. Army Air Forces. While serving his country proudly, he was a power aircraft and glider pilot during WWII, completing missions in France and Germany. Carl was a first lieutenant when he received an honorable discharge in 1945. On November 14, 1943, in South Bend, Carl married his true love, Margaret "Jane" Surridge. Carl retired in 1980 from the Indiana Bell Telephone Company after 39 years of service. He had been a member of the Telephone Company Pioneers. Carl is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret "Jane" McCombs; his son, Michael McCombs of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and his three sisters, Emiline Knepp of South Bend, Joan Peck of Marcellus, MI, and Jeanette Altman and her husband, Paul of North Judson.

Following Carl's wishes, there will be no visitation or services. Cremation has taken place and a private burial with his family will occur at a later date. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.