SPARTA, Kenneth E Combs, 80, of Sparta, passed away at 9:52 PM Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at Chester Rehab and Nursing Center in Chester, Illinois. He was born May 29, 1931 in Campbell Hill, Illinois the son of Martin Luther Combs and Sarah (Snider) Combs. Kenneth married Julie A. Combs on Saturday, January 13, 1951 in Murphysboro, IL. He is survived by his: wife: Julie A. Combs, Sparta, IL; daughter: Nancy (Gregory) Meyers, St. Charles, MO; 2 sons: Randy (Christine) Combs, Amery, WI;Richard(Cora) Combs, Lakeside, CA; 7 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren. Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Tom and George Combs and 3 sisters, Martha Ervin, Juanita Steele and June Schipper. In his vibrant years, Kenneth and his brother George owned the DX gas station in Ava, IL. He belonged to the Teamsters and IBEW unions and was retired from Fallon, NV where he fueled and maintained fighter jets for 6 years. He and his wife moved to Sparta, IL after retirement. Kenneth was an avid Cardinal Baseball fan all his life. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 1:00 PM at Wilsons Funeral Home Ava, Illinois with the Rev. Troy Humphrey officiating. Burial will follow at Looney Springs Cemetery, Campbell Hill, IL. Visitation will be at Wilsons Funeral Home on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Memorials may be made to Glenn Cemetery.