Frank Sam Combs

October 2, 1925 – May 23, 2019

Frank was born in Highland Park, Michigan to Charles and Alice Combs. He joined the US Army at age 17 to serve his country during WWII. While onboard a troop transport on his way to training in England, he turned 18. He landed in Normandy eight days after D-Day where he fought as a mortar man in the 313th Infantry, fighting all the way to Berlin.

On his return from Europe, Frank discovered the love of his life, Virginia; they married October 19, 1946. They had six children between 1947 and 1959: David, Larraine, Candice, Camilla, Terrance, and Timothy. He had no favorites among his children, loving them all equally.

Frank loved traveling. First he toured with his family throughout the eastern U.S. in his pickup camper, Lalapalooza. In subsequent years they traveled in various other RVs. After the children were grown, Frank's love of travel took the couple outside of the US enjoying locations in Central America, Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Mexico.

Frank was happiest when surrounded by friends and family playing games, telling jokes, and generally socializing. Frank and Virginia participated in square dancing for over 20 years, dancing in numerous locations, around the US. They put together Mystery Trips carrying bus-loads of friends on a wide range of adventures. Throughout his senior years they participated in weekly outings with their friends at the Eton center. He had a genuine love of people and those around him reciprocated loving him back.

Frank is survived by his wife, six children, and 32 grand and great grand-children.