Ronald Hugh Combs, 85 departed this life quietly at his home in Georgetown, Texas on August 29, 2023.
Ron was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma on December 11, 1937. He was the son of Cleo and Tessie Combs. Ron’s childhood included frequent relocations, as his dad’s job took his family to many different oil fields. He often lived in company camps. His family eventually settled in Russell Kansas, where he attended all four hears of high school. There, he met the love of his life, Mary Jane Boxberger. The two were married in 1956, just before their sophomore year at Fort Hayes State University. All-in-all he eventually ended up with a total of three college degrees, including two masters degrees in educational psychology and special education. His career took many turns through the years and ranged from working to create a training program for the original seven astronauts to becoming an advocate for changing how this country educated it’s handicapped citizens. In that role, he created one of the model programs for the mainstreaming special needs student’s education to within their local schools. He also worked with other psychologist as part of President Johnson’s advisory group to help craft the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Ron and Mary and two children, Michael Scott and Patrick Lantz, and two grandchildren, John Patrick and Diana Frances. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, his son Michael, and his two sister’s Argie and June.
A private family graveside will be held at a later date. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the graveside funeral service.