Ronald Combs

Ronald Combs, 90, of Vandalia, IL, passed away peacefully at 3:27 AM, Friday, November 03, 2023 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. Per Ron's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM. Wednesday, November 08, 2023 at Hohlt & File Funeral Home, Vandalia. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00AM, at the funeral home. Interment will be held at a later date in McInturff Cemetery, rural Vandalia. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association (PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023). Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com. Ronald Combs was born on August 15, 1933 in Hazzard, KY, the son of Allen & Specia (Begley) Combs. The majority of his childhood years were spent in Lawrenceburg, IN. After three years of military service, he moved to Mulberry Grove where he raised his two daughters. In 1976 he married Phyllis Bunyard Conner. They moved to Edwardsville, IL where they raised their son Michael S. Combs. Ron worked at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis for 32 years, retiring as a machine shop supervisor. Ron was very skilled mechanically. While at McDonnell Douglas he used his lunch hour and scrap aluminum to create a perfect to-scale replica of the St. Louis Arch. His supervisor was so impressed that he commissioned him to make more models to give as gifts to visiting dignitaries. He enjoyed woodworking, creating small craft items as well as large pieces of furniture. In addition, he was an exceptional stained glass artist. Generous with his time and talents, he was quick to volunteer to help family and friends. There wasn't much he couldn't fix and little he couldn't build. Upon retirement Ron and his wife Phyllis moved to Naples, Florida. They enjoyed approximately 30 years there. They purchased a small, open-air bar that became the North Naples Country Club. Ron was the builder and handyman at the bar helping change it from an open-air tavern to the community icon it is today. He was a United States Army Veteran serving our country from January of 1954 - January of 1957. While in IL, Ron was also a member of Hagarstown Baptist Church, the Masonic Temperance Lodge, and AINAD Shriner's. Ron was predeceased by his parents, Allen and Specia Combs; brother, Lehman Combs; sisters, Beulah Morgan, Leila Edwards, and Annette Cutter. Additionally, he was predeceased by his son, Michael S. Combs and stepson, Wesley Conner. He is survived by his wife Phyllis Combs; two daughters; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Ronald Combs

August 15, 1933 - November 3, 2023