Dick R. Combs

Mr. Combs died Monday, December 9, 2002, at the Galichia Heart Hospital in Wichita from complications of pneumonia.

He was born March 28, 1929, in Parsons, the son of Lester M. and Carol Bird (Shidler) Combs. He graduated from Parsons High School in 1947 and later from Baker University. He worked for the Salina Journal after attending Baker.

In 1955, Mr. Combs began managing KLKC radio station when he purchased a partial interest in the station. He served as city commissioner of Parsons from 1957 to 1959 and from 1967 to 1975. He was mayor from 1969 to 1970 and from 1973 to 1974. He also served as city manager from September 1985 to April 1993.

He married Patricia E. Silverwood on Oct. 6, 1951, in Parsons. She died March 26, 1993.

He is survived by a daughter, Connie Richman, Hutchinson; a son, Chris, Lawrence; a brother, Don, Parsons; a sister, Carol Bird Horn, Olympia, Wash.; and six grandchildren.

Two sons, Kelly and infant Richard Jr., died earlier.

Family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Carson-Wall Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials to Parsons Community Foundation or Parsons Arboretum, sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons 67357.