Thomas Gail Combs

Thomas Gail Combs, son of James and Isabell Combs and brother of Ledainne Henley, died peacefully on October 6. Daughter, Mimmie Coleman, son, Blinn Combs, and grandson, Brandon Coleman survive him. Relocating frequently for his father’s work as a stonemason, Tom attended eleven different schools in twelve years, and delivered papers all around Dallas through his teens. After graduating from Richardson High, Tom married Dee Ann Graham. 1961 would bring the birth of their only daughter and Tom’s enlistment in the Air Force where he worked in precision approach control. He worked in air traffic control for several years after his tour.

Tom studied biology, psychology, and philosophy at the University of North Texas, where he would meet Jo Ann Ellis in an epistemology class. Tom and Jo Ann were wed and had their only son in 1977. After working several years at the Circle K Ranch in Ola, Tom managed Jo Ann’s law practice from its opening in 1981 until their retirement and Jo Ann’s death in 2017.

Part loner, part family man, and part radical, Tom’s life embodied a rare combination of charm, curiosity, intuition, honesty, and wit. He loved meeting and learning about and teasing people. He loved music and dance, science, nature, a good party, and a good conversation. Tom brought a delightful sense of mischief with him wherever he went. He took great pride in his family and work. A celebration of his life will be held at Parker Ashworth Funeral Home in Kaufman at 2:00pm on Saturday, October 29.