Dr. Richard L. McCombs

Dr. Richard L. McCombs

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Funeral services were held May 16 at Grace Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake for Dr. Richard L. McCombs, 80, who passed away Sunday, May 10, 2009 at the Lakes Regional Health Care facility in Spirit Lake.

Pr. David Cox, Ph.D officiated. Interment was at Valley View Cemetery in Graettinger.

Richard Lee McCombs, son of Alfred and Leta (Young) McCombs, was born Feb. 8, 1929 on a farm near Graettinger. He attended school in Graettinger, graduating in 1947. Richard played baseball for Graettinger High School. Following high school graduation he attended Estherville Junior College for one year. He played on their baseball and football teams during his time at the college. After one year in junior college Richard transferred to the University of Iowa. Dr. Richard McCombs graduated from the University of Iowa, College of Dentistry in 1955.

In 1955 Richard was inducted into the United States Navy where he served as a Dental Officer for two years. After being honorably discharged from the service, Richard moved to Sioux Rapids where he opened his dental practice, serving the community for 35 years. He was dedicated to the dental profession and truly enjoyed his patients.

On July 16, 1961 Richard was united in marriage to Margaret McCrary in Sioux Rapids. To this union three sons were born. Richard and Margaret made their home in Sioux Rapids until 1993 when they moved to Bella Vista, Ark. In 2005, they moved to Spirit Lake.

Richard was a member of Enterprise Masonic Lodge #332 in Sioux Rapids as well as the Buena Vista Order of Eastern Star. Richard was a lifetime member of the Iowa Dental Association. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed fishing and spending time at their Spirit Lake home. Richard loved his family and the time that he spent with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald who was killed in World War II.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret of Spirit Lake; his children and grandchildren, John and Robin McCombs of Phoenix, Ariz. and their children, Matthew, Benjamin, Andrew, and Johanna; Paul and Dorota McCombs of Bentonville, Ark.; and Mark and Stephanie McCombs of Orange City, and their children, Catherine and Danielle; two brothers, Kenneth McCombs of Sun City, Arizona and Lloyd and Lucille McCombs of Ruthven, Iowa; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements were made by the Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.