Maurice Combs, Jr.

Maurice Leroy Combs, Jr., 75, previously of Thomasboro and Rantoul, died on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 5:45 pm at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton.

There will be a visitation on Friday, Oct 4 from 1-2 pm at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St, Champaign. The memorial service will begin at 2pm at the funeral home.

Maurice was born on April 29, 1949 in Wakefield, NE, the son of Maurice Combs, Sr. and Irene Barto Combs. He was married to Mary Lou Gilliland and later to Judy Calentine. Judy preceded him in death on Feb. 24, 2021.

Survivors include a daughter, Pam Messerli of MO and her family, Sydney, Stephen and Bennett Braun and Paige Messerli; a stepdaughter, Kathy (Steve) Wood and her family, Ashley, Aidan and Mattie, Jeremy and Joshua; 1 sister, Linda Combs of Urbana; 1 niece and 2 nephews.  

Maurice, or Pappa as he was affectionately known by his family, served in the US Army and later worked at ADM, Kmart and Meijer. He enjoyed spending time with his 2 cats while watching westerns and football. He also loved meatloaf and Pepsi.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maurice Combs, Jr., please visit our floral store.