Kelly L. Combs

Kelly L. Combs passed away on February 27, 2022. He was born on September 17, 1942, in Port Clinton, Ohio and moved to the Indianapolis area, (Lawrence) in 1946. He retired from the Pendleton Correctional Facility in 2004, where he supervised the Law Library for 15 years. Kelly enlisted in the U.S. Navy a few months after graduating from high school. He participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis, in 1962, while serving two years aboard the U.S. Navy Destroyer Cecil, DDR-835. He enjoyed flying and earned his Private Pilot License in 1968.

While a student at Indiana University, Coach Sam Bell offered Kelly the job as Track manager. Kelly accepted this nice opportunity to work with outstanding athletes and travel to many universities throughout the Midwest. Kelly held this position as Track Manager from January 1970 through the 1973 track season. During this time frame Indiana won six Big Ten track and field championships (indoors and outdoors).

Kelly received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University in 1974 and 1982. He was an Indiana school teacher for four years in the 1970s. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he joined the army reserve in 1974. While in the army reserve, he earned his Jump Wings at Fort Benning, Georgia. Kelly retired from the army reserve with the rank of Major and with 26 years on military service, Navy and Army.

Kelly is a Life Member of the following: Indiana University Alumni Association since 1974, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled Veterans Association.

He is survived by his sister; Mary McCollum of Palm Bay FL, and his brother; Marty Ross of Marietta, OK.

He is preceded in passing by his sister, Betty Bowman.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022 from 11-1PM with funeral services to begin at 1PM all to be held at Flanner Buchanan – Memorial Park, 9350 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46229. Services can be viewed via livestream by CLICKING HERE.