Donald Walter Combs, age 85, of Arkadelphia, formerly of Houston, TX, passed from this life on Wednesday, July 11, 2007, at Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Arkadelphia. He was born December 30, 1921, in Tulsa, OK, the son of the Late Walter J. & Cecil Mae Judd Combs. Even as a young man, Don never met a stranger and performed in high school and college theater productions including some of his favorite musicals. He dreamed of an acting career in NewYork City but like many young men he was called to duty during WWII and served with honor in the 306th Airdrome Squadron 5th Air Force throughout the Pacific and Japan. Don married his beloved Ginny on March 7, 1944. Early in their marriage he was employed as a Combustion Engineer with John Zink Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he and Virginia worked diligently in the St. Marks Methodist Church and in school and community related activities. He designed and built their first home in Tulsa and was a very gifted craftsman. Don and Virginia moved with their three children to Houston, TX. in 1961 where he was employed by National Tank as a sales representative in the oil field equipment industry. He was later employed by ITT Snyder and retired in 1992 at age 70. Don was a great story teller and thoroughly enjoyed sharing them with family and friends. Throughout his battle with cancer he fought valiantly and kept his faith. As Don always said in parting; Take care of yourself, take care of one another, and be careful! Don was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Virginia Ann Combs. one brother, Jay Combs and one sister, Mildred LeFores. Don is survived by his daughter, Sharon Kolb and her husband Mike of Arkadelphia, AR; two sons, Dennis Combs and his wife Claudia of Sugar Land, TX, and Andrew Combs and his wife Sue of Magnolia, TX, nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, July 16, 2007 at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Houston, TX with Rev. Matt Barnhill officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Arkadelphia, AR or the charity of the donor s choice. Local arrangements are by Welch Funeral home. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign online guestbook or send private condolences.