Melbert Ray Combs

Melbert Ray Combs was born July 8, 1944 in Gallatin County, Kentucky and passed away May 2, 2025 at his residence in Glencoe, Kentucky at the age of 80. He was the son of the late Melbert and Jean Kinman Combs.

Duke, as he was known, was a retired maintenance supervisor for Carroll County Schools, and a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was also a member of the Ten Mile Baptist Church where he helped with maintenance when he was able.  In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, autobody work and painting. He rebuilt his own Harley and loved working on motorcycles. One of his greatest passions was traveling throughout the United States with his wife and dog on his Harley. He also had a sweet tooth for candy of any kind, but especially chocolate.

On September 27, 2008, Duke was united in marriage to Margie Jean Kinman Combs. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters: Louise Hiles (Billy), Farrah Wheeler (James Anderson) and Jeanna Ritch; a son: Ronald Downing (Patty); two sisters: Jill Sharon (John) and Lois Carol Combs; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren (of which one was named after Duke, Cordell Duke Carrig).

Duke was preceded in death by two sons, Andy Dale McKinney and David Downing Combs; two brothers, William E. Combs and Calvin L. Combs; and an infant sister, Goldie Jean Combs.

Visitation will be 11 AM-2 PM, Friday, May 9, 2025 at Hamilton-Stanley Funeral Home, 14635 Walton-Verona Rd., Verona, KY 41092. Funeral services will also be Friday, May 9, 2025 at 2 PM at Hamilton-Stanley Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Napoleon Cemetery in Gallatin County.