U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
The Hermiston Herald Oregon
Published: November 14, 2003
William A."Bill" McCombs
Oct. 28, 1923-Nov. 5, 2003
IRRIGON — William A. "Bill" McCombs died Wednesday, Nov. 5, at his home in Irrigon at the age of 80.
He was born in Wenatchee, Wash., to Alma and Glena Campbell McCombs on Oct. 28, 1923. He was raised in Washington and graduated from Chewelah High School. He joined the United States Navy, serving in World War II. He returned to Washington after he was honorably discharged.
William married Shirley Jean McIrvin on Dec. 7, 1947, in Kettle Falls, Wash. He then went back to work as a lineman for Washington Water Power, living in Spokane, Tekoa and Palouse, Wash. He continued to work there until he retired in the early 1980s as a district manager in Colville, Wash. He moved to Saint George, Utah, for a short time before living in Sequim, Wash., then the Salt Lake City, Utah, area; Knoxville, Tenn.; and then in Irrigon for the last two months to be near his family.
Mr. McCombs was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served as bishop on the high council and in the stake presidency. He enjoyed farming, woodworking, and building houses for himself and his children, and loved his family.
He is survived by his sons and their wives, Tom and Diane McCombs of Irrigon, Ed and Ruthann McCombs of Tsaile, Ariz., Dennis and Joanne McCombs of Las Vegas, Nev., and John and Jennifer McCombs of Spokane, Wash.; daughters and their husbands, Jeannie and Cortney Flynn of West Valley City, Utah, and Susan and Rob Gentry of Saint George, Utah; brothers, Dick McCombs of Irrigon, Calvin McCombs of Spokane, Wash., Andrew McCombs of Bellevue, Wash., and Roger McCombs of Kennewick, Wash.; sisters, Glena Hoffman of Irrigon and Betha Kristiansen of Sacramento, Calif.; 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Mr. McCombs was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley McCombs, in 1991; his parents; three brothers, Pete McCombs, Doug McCombs and Dee McCombs; three sisters, Alma Ward, Audrey Stecker and infant sister, Sylvia McCombs; and grandson, Joseph McCombs.
A graveside service will be held at the Saint George City Cemetery in Saint George, Utah. Those who wish may make contributions in Bill's memory to the LDS Church Missionary or Education Fund.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in charge of the arrangements.
