Francis David Combs, 98, died of natural causes on Friday, March 23, 2018, at the New Mexico Veterans Home in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, where he had been a resident since August 2016.

Francis David Combs was born July 1, 1919, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to Everett and Grace (Callahan) Combs. Soon after, the family moved to a farm in DeSmet, South Dakota. After his schooling, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. “Frank” moved to Minnesota, where he married Helen D. Torgersen on Nov. 21, 1939, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin, Minnesota. Following their marriage, the couple lived and worked in Iowa. Frank served in the U.S. Marines during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. Both Helen and Frank worked for the U.S. Postal Service for most of their careers. They raised their children and made their home in Mound, Montana, until their retirements, after which they moved to Billings, Montana. Helen died in June 1992. Frank met and married Beverly Croft in 1997, and they eventually moved to New Mexico. It was while they were living in Park Rapids, Minnesota, that he became a member of the Marine League. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, enjoyed hunting, camping, lapidary projects, reading and gardening.

Frank is survived by his wife, Beverly; three daughters and two sons, Carol (John) Lindow of Nevis, Minnesota, formerly of Stewartville, Minnesota, David Combs of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Brian Combs of Mckinleyville, California, Denice (Doug) Sparks of Boulder, Colorado, and Lynn (Jeff) Ivie of Billings, Montana;

12 grandchildren, Erin (Gary) Kittleson, Ryan (Alexis) Lindow, Michael Lindow, Kevin (Karie) Lindow, Stephen (Sarah) Lindow, Sarah Combs, Jordan Combs, Jack Combs, Max Combs, Manito Lara, Whitney Ivie, and Zachary Ivie; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; his parents; three brothers; and five sisters.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin with Father James Steffes officiating. A committal service and burial with military graveside honors by the Marine Honor Guard from Park Rapids will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Austin. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the 11 a.m. service at the church on Wednesday, March 28.

Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville.