Robert “Bob” Franklin Combs

April 9, 1952 - January 30, 2023

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Sunday 2/5, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Sunday 2/5, 2:00 pm

Robert “Bob” F. Combs, 70, of Rossville passed away peacefully early Monday morning January 30, 2023, surrounded by family at IU Arnett Hospital.

Bob was born on April 9, 1952, in Lebanon, Indiana to Bill and Betty (King) Combs. He grew up working on the family dairy farm near Rossville, Indiana. Here he discovered his love of hard work and agriculture. After graduating from Rossville High School, he attended Purdue University where he received bachelors and master’s degrees in agricultural and mechanical engineering. His career as an engineer started with International Harvester in Chicago, where he helped develop the axial flow combine, and continued until his retirement as head of military applications engineering at Allison Transmission in Indianapolis, where he worked on M1 tank transmissions. His career brought him much fulfillment plus nearly a dozen U.S. patons as well as took him to a plethora of places around the world from Detroit to the Swiss Alps, Israel, and South Korea.

He married the light of his life, Debbie, on June 4, 1983, after which they returned to the family farm to raise their children. Bob continued to farm, engineer, and love his wife and family. He loved their dogs, traveling, farming corn, soybeans, and wine grapes as well as socializing.

Bob and Debbie have three children, Jennie (Andrew) Butler of Valparaiso, who inherited his curiosity and big smile, Ian Combs of West Lafayette, who inherited his outgoingness and levity, and Dani (Kris) Sosbe of Rossville, who inherited work ethic and laid backness. He was also the proud grandfather to his precious grandson, Liam, who mirrors many of his mannerisms, also of Valparaiso. In addition to his children, Bob is also lovingly celebrated by his brother, Bill (Dianne) Combs of Crawfordsville, his sister, Betsy (Mike) Buchanan of Monterey, Virginia, and his mother, Betty Combs of West Lafayette, and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and animals. His father and his beloved wife welcomed him to Glory Monday morning.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 5, 2023, from 11:00 am- 2:00 pm with service to follow at 2:00 pm at Soller-Baker, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909.

Interment Rossville Cemetery, Rossville, IN. Memorial Contributions may be given in Bob’s name to The Humane Society of Clinton County, 210 S. Jackson St., Frankfort, IN 46041 or at www.pawpalsofclintoncounty.org

You may leave condolences at www.soller-baker.com

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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Robert “Bob” F. Combs, 70, of Rossville passed away peacefully early Monday morning January 30, 2023, surrounded by family at IU Arnett Hospital. Bob was born on April 9, 1952, in Lebanon, Indiana to Bill and Betty (King) Combs. He grew up working on the family dairy farm near Rossville, Indiana. Here he discovered hisContinue Reading

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Dear family of Bob and Debbie, I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. Bob was a gentle and sweet guy. He mad us laugh many times. I loved the time I spent with all of you. I really wanted to see you today but I can’t be there. I have a terrible head cold and don’t want to share it. I will enjoy my great memories. I share sadness too. Love, Marilou Warden

Ian Combs and Family,Sending my deepest condolences Ian to you and your family in the passing of your father. Sending prayers that you find peace and comfort from the memories you hold🙏

I regret that I am unable to attend the funeral for Bob. Bob was my manager for many years at Allison. Bob was a great man and leader. He had to be to wrangle the team he was given to lead. We worked hard and we had fun. Bob was missed when he left, know that Bob was well loved by his Allison family.

Betty, Betsy and Bill,So sad to hear of Bob's passing. I've many good memories of our family reunions together growing up. I hope you remember and cherish all those memories, too.

I am sorry to hear about Bob's passing. I very much enjoyed working with Bob for many years at Allison and sharing our passion for farming with each other.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Bob was such a fine upstanding guy. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Bob at Allison's. He was such a positive person who lived life to the fullest!

I enjoyed working with Bob for several years in the Allison Military Engineering group. I appreciated his counsel, common sense approach to problems, his smile, and all those stories! My deepest condolences go out to all of the Combs family.

Jennie, Ian, and Dani and families, My condolences to you at the loss if your dad! I have many great memories of times at Brady Lane with your folks watching our young children grow up. They were amazing people! Love to you all and prayers for peace and comfort!

What a beautiful loving description of Bob! And his beaming smile touches my heart. He lived and loved well, and you all are such a dear loving family. We send hugs and love to you.

I was so sorry to read of Bob's passing. I spent 3 years on the Rossville School Board with him, and it was always such a pleasure to work with him. He had the highest character and compassion.

My deepest sympathy. May your happy memories bring you peace and comfort.

Jennie, Ian and DaniSorry to hear about your loss. You are in our prayers. We have many fond memories of spending times with the Combes at school, church and scouting functions. May God comfort you at this difficult time.

Deepest sympathy. Sending prayers for everyone.

As family and friends, we are saddened to learn that Bob has passed away. You are in our thoughts.

Sorry to hear about your loss. Bob will be greatly missed. Sending our condolences

In memory of Robert “Bob” Franklin Combs, Dixie Kingery lit a candle

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.