Obituary - Wiley Kent Combs

Wiley Kent Combs was born August 5th, 1942, to Glenn Combs and Mildred (Wiley) Combs in Henry County, Missouri. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 21st, 2022 in Clinton, Mo.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Louis and Eula (Whitchurch) Eckhardt; and brothers-in-law, Forrest Parks and Richard Brasier. Survivors include his wife, Pearl (Eckhardt) Combs of the home; their children and grandchildren, Pam and Aspen Gottmann, Denver, Colorado, Sherie and Ron Martinez, Kelsie and Hayley Martinez, Clinton, Mo., and Jill and Eric Snider, Lily and Bodee Snider, Grain Valley, Mo.; sister, Boann Parks and niece Shalon Dittus (Myles), sister, Donna Brasier and nieces LeeAnn Torrez (Iannick), Leslie Gregoroski (John), brother, Max Combs (Barb), nephew, Brad Combs (Emily), niece, Jodi Billings (Brent), great-nieces and great-nephews, Adison Dittus, Lena and Marin Torrez, Gracey and Emma Gregoroski, Quintin and Carley Combs, Jordon and Jackson Billings. Also surviving are many cousins and a host of friends. Kent attended several rural schools around the Deer Creek area and graduated from Clinton High School in 1960. In 1964 Kent was drafted into the United States Army stationed in Detroit, Michigan serving two years. Kent and Pearl were married for 50 years. During their 50 years of marriage, they stood beside each other working together and believing in their vows. They never gave up on one another. As Kent’s health declined Pearl cared for him 24/7 as his caretaker. She stood by her promise of in sickness and in health. They were both so very lucky to have 50 years together. Kent and Pearl had three children and were blessed with four granddaughters and one grandson. Each one holding a very special place in his heart. He often called them all by nickname, Puddin Woodin’, Big Rod, Little Rod, Hot Rod, and Silly Lily. Kent’s favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren. As their Papa he enjoyed attending their ballgames and watching them cheer. He always looked forward to summers when Aspen would stay with them and spoiling her. He loved to be involved in any way he could with them and was so very proud to be their Papa. There were three constants in Kent’s life. His loyalty to his church, his commitment to his family and his love of his friends. He was raised as a lifelong member of Drake’s Chapel United Methodist Church. He served many roles in the church. In his later years he enjoyed maintaining the grounds of the church and cemetery. In 2012 Kent was diagnosed with cancer. He battled bravely and fought hard through many ups and downs. He never felt sorry for himself, he never gave up. He always fought each step bravely. His last few years he was kept from doing many of the things he enjoyed but always continued to be there for all his family and friends in any way he could manage and continued to be the example of always putting others first. Memorial services for Kent will be at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. just prior to the service. Military honors will be observed at the funeral home by Veteran of Foreign Wars, Post 1894, Clinton. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Drake's Chapel Cemetery, Heartland Hospice of Butler, Mo., or the Golden Valley Memorial Hospital Oncology Department, and these donations may be left in care of the funeral home.