Ricky J. Combes

Ricky Jason Combes, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on July 17, 2025, at the age of 66. He was surrounded by his immediate family at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

Born on December 9, 1958, in Topeka, Kansas, Rick was the son of Glen Eldon and Ruby Alice (Mattox) Combes. He was raised in Carbondale, Kansas, and graduated from Santa Fe Trail High School in 1976. A proud and dedicated veteran, Rick served his country for 35 years in the Kansas Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. He was also employed at the Kansas Combined Support Maintenance Shop (CSMS) for 33 years. Rick’s military career took him to Panama, Germany, and two deployments in Iraq, and his service was marked by unwavering honor and integrity.

Rick was a man who gave selflessly. Whether helping a family member, a neighbor, supporting his children, or cheering on his grandchildren from the stands, Rick always showed up. He had great love for his family and poured his heart into every moment spent with them. His greatest joy was being a grandpa to his seven grandchildren, rarely missing a baseball game, wrestling meet, dance recital, or school event.

Rick is survived by his children, Brandon (Sheree) Combes of Carbondale, KS, and Ashley (Christopher) Knight of Topeka, KS; his brothers, Terry (Brenda) Combes of Scranton, KS, and Bruce (Lynette) Combes of Berryton, KS; and his beloved grandchildren: Kadence Combes Jeffries, Bryce Combes, Aivah Knight, Caden Knight, Ryder Combes, Dakota Combes, and Landin Combes. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and many cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen Eldon and Ruby Alice Combes, of Carbondale, Kansas.

Rick’s legacy is one of quiet strength, hard work, loyalty, and love. He gave his all to those around him and even in death, he continued giving. As an organ donor, Rick saved the lives of three grateful recipients and was able to provide the gift of sight and tissues to more.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Town and Country Christian Church, Topeka, Kansas.

A celebration of life service will follow on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM, also at Town and Country Christian Church, with lunch to follow. The family will receive guests prior to the service.

Burial will follow in Bowman-Adgate Cemetery located at 894 19th Rd NW, Lebo, KS 66856, northwest of New Strawn, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Museum of the Kansas National Guard or Town and Country Christian Church.