Adrian L. Combs, 88, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday morning, April 17, 2024, at Compassus Hospice Hospital St. Vincent, Indianapolis.

The only child of the late Elmer L. and Josephine Elizabeth Helton Combs, Adrian was born on July 30, 1935 in Pebworth, Owsley County, Kentucky.  In the late 1930s, they made Jackson Township, Fayette County, their home. In the early 40s, they moved to McGuire Ridge Road outside of Metamora, in Franklin County. He graduated from Brookville High School in 1953.

Adrian, a man of diverse talents and unwavering commitment, embarked on a remarkable journey through life. After high school, he joined Roots Blower Company in Connersville, where his drafting skills flourished. However, Adrian’s path took an unexpected turn when he left for Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. During his college years, he planted a church in Champaign, Illinois, sowing seeds of faith.

The day after graduating college, Adrian married the former Judith Kay Harthcock on May 27, 1960, at High Street Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. Mrs. Combs survives.

Following his graduation and wedding, Adrian returned to Connersville and was employed at Philco-Ford for 34 years, retiring as a Quality Control Engineer in 1998. Adrian was also an active participant in community life.

In the mid 1970s, Adrian was instrumental in the establishment of Connersville Baptist Temple where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years and remained an active member ever since.

Adrian’s love for sports was evident. He was a pitcher for the church softball team and played in both the industrial and church bowling leagues. As a coach, he helped lead his son David’s Little League baseball teams and daughter Annette’s youth softball teams. Notably, Adrian also led Fayette Central’s boys basketball teams from 1972 to 1976. He also enjoyed attending Cincinnati Reds baseball games with family and playing golf with his wife and many friends. In addition to these activities, he could be found faithfully attending his grandchildren’s activities and sporting events.

Beyond the playing field, Adrian reveled in his cars: A 1966 white 2-door Ford Fairlane graced his driveway alongside a 1926 Model T Ford. He spent many days fixing up his children’s red Volkswagen Beetles with his father. He enjoyed fond memories of open roads and adventures during his 20-year membership in the Holiday Rambler RV Club. 

Adrian’s legacy is one of faith, community, and a zest for life. His impact resonates through the lives he touched, both within the church walls and beyond.

Besides his wife of 63 years, Judy Combs, survivors include three children, Denise (Don) Crum of Connersville, David (Dana) Combs of Carmel and Annette (John) Miller of Fishers; seven grandchildren, Hannah (Ben) Gross of Connersville, Jake (Brittany) Combs of Charleston, South Carolina, Halley (Hunter) Brooks of Merrillville, Karly Combs of Carmel, Indiana, Jack Miller, Joe Miller, and Eli Miller, all of Fishers; and several cousins.

Family and friends visited until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Connersville Baptist Temple.  Pastor Joe Ferreira officiated.  Burial followed in Valley Grove Cemetery.  Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Connersville Baptist Temple and online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Paid obituary.