Lester Oliver Combs, 89 of rural Maquon, passed away at 4:20 p.m. Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Seminary Manor in Galesburg, with his family at his side.
He was born March 28, 1928 on the family home place near London Mills, the son of Lowell and Lois Dykeman Combs. He married Vivian M. Roberts on September 16, 1946 at the Knox County Courthouse in Galesburg.
Lester is survived by his loving wife of almost 71 years, Vivian; six children, Darlene (Ron) McGarry of Galesburg, Rod (Sue) Combs of Galesburg, Ronda (Mike) Brooks of rural Gilson, Rick (Nava) Combs of rural Avon, Mary (Kenny) Kinnan of rural Viola and Henry (Dawn) Combs of Abingdon; 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; his son-in-law, Donald “Mac” McDougall, Jr. of Pekin; and one sister, Eva Ingle of London Mills. He is also survived by step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, a foreign exchange grandchild and several nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two daughters, Audra Dean Combs and Jody McDougall, some grandchildren, five brothers and two sisters.
Lester attended the London Mills Methodist Church as a child. He and Vivian had lived at their home near Hermon since 1962. He worked as an Electrical Technician at the former Outboard Marine Corporation in Galesburg for 37 years, worked as a farm hand for Bernard Dare and did electrical and small appliance repair work on the side. He enjoyed playing the game of Carrom with his mother, playing ball with the family, playing checkers, playing the card game of Pitch, throwing horseshoes, hunting and fishing, and his greatest joy was all the family gatherings.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2017 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel. Mrs. Eleanor Landon will officiate. Burial will be in West Midway Cemetery near London Mills. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel.
Memorials may be made to Abingdon Banty League, the Abingdon Community Festival Association or the Galesburg Rescue Mission. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
