John (Jack) Coombs of West Lafayette, Indiana died Saturday, November 1, at St. Elizabethʼs Hospital East after a week long fight with pneumonia. He was born on December 18, 1920 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from Purdue University on December 19, 1942 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and he married the love of his life Phyllis Kistler 3 days later. She survives as do his five children Mike (Linda), Bob (Betty), Jeanne Thompson, Brad, John (Debbie), plus 14 grandchildren, 16 greatgrandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. A man of honor and integrity, he served his country during World War II with distinction and was awarded the bronze star for bravery. After leaving the service in 1946, he joined the Kalamazoo Tank & Silo Company (later named KTS Industries) where he served as President until his retirement in 1981. Shortly after retirement, he and Phyllis moved to Sedona, Arizona where he enjoyed hiking and exploring the beautiful red rock country. In 2006, Jack and Phyllis relocated to West Lafayette, Indiana to be closer to their family and Jack spent the remainder of his years actively supporting his beloved Purdue Boilermakers.