Obituary of Robert Wayne Combes

Robert Wayne Combes, Jr. Robert Wayne Combes, Jr. of Elma left us at 2:30 a.m. on October 7, 2011 in the Montesano Health and Rehabilitation Center, with Ann by his side. Bob spent the last 18 years of his life with Ann in the home they built together, with their sons and their families close by. Bob fought a good battle, but Cancer won the war. Bob was born on April 15, 1931 in Selleck, WA to Robert Wayne Combes, Sr. and Carrie Genevieve (Gore) Combes, but spent most of his life in the Elma area. He attended Elma schools and Grays Harbor College, where he received his Associate in Welding Technology Certificate in 1987. In 1948, while working for Schafer Bros Logging, he joined the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1952. He also worked in Alaska and at Simpson in McCleary, but spent most of his working years in bridge construction all over Washington State. He worked for many contractors, retiring from Quigg in 1993. From 1970 to 1972, he was Assistant Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop #14 in Elma, accompanying the Scouts on many hiking trips into the Olympics. He enjoyed the outdoors, mushrooming, bark peeling and camping with family and friends. He especially enjoyed the Casinos. All who knew Bob would agree he had a unique sense of humor, which he kept to the end. Bob is survived by Ann Trentham Combes, his former wife and caregiver; their three sons, Steven Wayne (Cindy) Combes of Elma, Jeffrey Scott (Christel) Combes of Elma, and Michael Shawn (Juanita) Combes of Port Orchard. He is also survived by children of other marriages, Robert Wayne Combes III, Cynthia Ann Combes, and Zoyia Diane Combes; brother, Ramon Clark Combes of Elma; sisters, Edna Louise (Wayne) Kingery of Elma, and Linda Ellen (Michael) Raphael of McCleary; ten grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson. He was preceded in death by his sister, Gayle DaVene (Allen) Sexton. There will be no service at this time. In April 2011, Bob enjoyed a celebration of his 80th birthday with many friends and family. Donations in his memory may be made to Relay of Life, c/o Anytime Fitness, P.O. Box 473, Elma, WA 98541 to help find the cure for cancer. Please take a moment to record your thoughts for the family by signing the Guestbook below.