David Hyman Combs

In his early years, David was raised in Kentucky and attended high school in Benton, where he was an avid basketball player. Known for an easy way with people, he was voted most popular by his class and served as class president. He later graduated from Long Beach State with a degree in criminology.

David served in the United States Marine Corps, with his primary station in Tangier, Morocco, where he worked as a security guard for the ambassador. He went on to a distinguished career with the Los Angeles Police Department, beginning as a beat officer and ultimately serving as a homicide detective. His service placed him at the center of pivotal moments in the city’s history, including responding to the Watts riots; his department was the 77th precinct in Los Angeles, which included Watts. He was also among the responders to the Robert F. Kennedy assassination, while assigned to the Wilshire district. After retiring from the police force, David continued his work in public safety and investigation as a private investigator, and later served again for the City of Los Angeles as a background investigator for new police recruits.

David’s first marriage was to Verna Deane Spare-Combs, whom he met while they were both serving in the Marine Corps, and together they had three children. His second marriage was to Jean I. Pelletier.

David was preceded in death by father Elmer "Ted" Combs, mother, Ruth Jones Combs, brother William Combs, and sister Teddye Lou Thompson. He is survived by children Debbie Ristovski, Ron Combs (Dal), and Jackie Compton (Justin); grandchildren Sydney Combs, Officer Noah Ristovski, Eli Ristovski, Logan Ristovski, and Jade Compton; sister Suzanne Combs Perrey.

In later years, David found deep enjoyment in quieter pursuits and steady fellowship. Toward the end of his life he became an avid coin collector. He valued Bible Study and cherished time at church with friends, and he was a member of Calvary Redeeming Grace Church (formerly St. Paul's Congregational) in Greeley. Even during his time in the nursing home, he continued to give of himself—leading Bible Study and reading to residents who were unable to read unassisted. After moving to Windsor, he shared a close and meaningful friendship with Ted Lind and his children Martin, Paula, and Ramona.

Those who knew David remember not only a life marked by duty and perseverance, but also the warmth he brought into a room—his sense of humor and his boisterous presence that drew people close and left lasting impressions. David was very loved and will be missed.

The family is incredibly grateful to Columbine Commons Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities for their excellent and compassionate care in his last years of life.