Community celebrates retirement of local power couple

January 31, 2024 at 1:50 p.m.
Keith and Debbie Combs of Laurel are pictured celebrating their retirement.
Keith and Debbie Combs of Laurel are pictured celebrating their retirement. (photo provided)


Keith and Debbie Combs have lived in Laurel for as long as anyone can remember and have faithfully served the community for just as long. They both retired from their respective jobs on the same day, and the community has expressed deep gratitude for their service in their work roles and beyond.

Keith retired from Rush/Shelby Energy after 18 years. Keith is always ready and willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for over 25 years, responding to countless emergencies and putting his life on the line for his fellow townspeople.

But Combs’ contributions don't stop there.

"This man has played a major role in so many people's lives by being president of Eagle Rider," said Combs’ niece, Wendy Daugherty. "He and my father, along with the eagle riders. have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help individual families struggling with diseases, illness, cancer, and funerals, all of the above."

Keith was also instrumental in raising funding for the Laurel Town Park, providing a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages to gather and socialize.

Debbie was a long-standing Franklin County Sheriff's Department employee, having 20+ years with the agency.

“Deb has been a tremendous asset to our team, with over 20 years of service to our community," said Franklin County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jason Lovins. "She is well-respected and always willing to help as needed. Deb will be greatly missed. We wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement.”

Like Keith, Debbie has also made numerous contributions to the community over the years.

"She was the secretary for Eagle Riders and raised money to help people in need," Daugherty said. "One of the most loving women I know, she always cared for everyone before herself. Debbie is an amazing daughter, sister, grandmother, mother, aunt, cousin, and friend who is there whenever someone needs help, physically or financially, or just an ear to listen to. She was an amazing cook and housekeeper as well."

Despite their many accomplishments, Keith and Debbie remain humble and always put the needs of others before their own; they never seek recognition or praise for their efforts but instead are content knowing that they make a difference in the lives of those around them.

Keith and Debbie Combs have lived in Laurel for as long as anyone can remember and have faithfully served the community for just as long. They both retired from their respective jobs on the same day, and the community has expressed deep gratitude for their service in their work roles and beyond.

Keith retired from Rush/Shelby Energy after 18 years. Keith is always ready and willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for over 25 years, responding to countless emergencies and putting his life on the line for his fellow townspeople.

But Combs’ contributions don't stop there.

"This man has played a major role in so many people's lives by being president of Eagle Rider," said Combs’ niece, Wendy Daugherty. "He and my father, along with the eagle riders. have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help individual families struggling with diseases, illness, cancer, and funerals, all of the above."

Keith was also instrumental in raising funding for the Laurel Town Park, providing a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages to gather and socialize.

Debbie was a long-standing Franklin County Sheriff's Department employee, having 20+ years with the agency.

“Deb has been a tremendous asset to our team, with over 20 years of service to our community," said Franklin County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jason Lovins. "She is well-respected and always willing to help as needed. Deb will be greatly missed. We wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement.”

Like Keith, Debbie has also made numerous contributions to the community over the years.

"She was the secretary for Eagle Riders and raised money to help people in need," Daugherty said. "One of the most loving women I know, she always cared for everyone before herself. Debbie is an amazing daughter, sister, grandmother, mother, aunt, cousin, and friend who is there whenever someone needs help, physically or financially, or just an ear to listen to. She was an amazing cook and housekeeper as well."

Despite their many accomplishments, Keith and Debbie remain humble and always put the needs of others before their own; they never seek recognition or praise for their efforts but instead are content knowing that they make a difference in the lives of those around them.

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