PETERSBURG, Va. – Mr. John D. Combo, 73 years of age of 1501 N. Halcun Drive, Petersburg, VA, departed this life on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at McGuire Veteran’s Medical Center, Richmond, VA.

He was born on June 24, 1937 to the late Isadora Combo and Johnnie Combo. Mr. Combo was also preceded in death by a brother, Leon Combo; and two sisters, Elva Basket and Dora Mae Smith.

John Combo was married to Hattie M. Lassiter in 1959 and to this union three daughters were born. He was a devoted husband and a wonderful father. He was the type of person that was always there to lend a helping hand. He always reached out to the young children to educate them in understanding responsibility and how important it is to stay in school and to make sure that they get a good education. His passion was to let them know how important our country is and educate them on patriotism and what the American flag represented.

He joined Phillippi Baptist Church in Cofield, NC at an early age and after his travel in military service he and his family settled in Petersburg, VA where he became a member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA.

Mr. Combo served 22 years of honorable service in the United States Army and 16 years with the Defense General Supply Center in Richmond, VA which he received numerous awards and accolades. He was a member of the American Legion at Post 120, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 40/8, National Soldiers Association and many other organizations.

Left to cherish his memories, a loving wife of 51 ½ years, Hattie M. Combo; children, Sarah M. McClure (Kenneth) of Harvest, AL, Mable C. Farris (Verlon) of Prince George, VA, and Aleacia F. Combo of Petersburg, VA; six grandchildren, Dante’ L. Blount (Rochelle) of Toney, AL, Tameika L. Nicholson of Hinesville, GA, Shamika N. Turner of Columbia, SC, Summer N. Blount of Petersburg, VA, Paris R. Spencer of Chester, VA, and Verlon D. Farris Jr. of Prince George, VA; two great grandchildren, Iyanna N. Blount and Malana N. Blount, both of Toney, AL; two sisters, Annie R. Lassiter of Portsmouth, VA and Elsie Vaughan (James) of Cofield, NC; three brothers, Arrajah Combo (Esther) and Alphonso Combo both of Greensboro, NC, and Henry Combo (Margaret) of Petersburg, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

A funeral service for Mr. John Combo will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at Phillippi Baptist Church, 550 NC, Route 45 South, Cofield, NC, with the Rev. William Lassiter, Pastor, and the Rev. Charlie Carter, Jr., Eulogist, officiating. The interment will follow in the Vaughan Family Cemetery, Cofield, NC.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Combo at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911.