Bob McCombs

(From Knell Mortuary)

Robert A. “Bob” McCombs was born June 5, 1943 in Butler, MO, to Robert Delmar and Ilene May (Hammer) McCombs. He was raised in Rich Hill, MO, in an idyllic Mayberry-like community.

Bob graduated high school with the class of 1961. Along with several other classmates, he attended Central Missouri State University (CMSU) in Warrensburg. At the university, he pursued a teaching degree in Industrial Arts.

After two years at CMSU, he started feeling an urge towards Christian ministry. His District Superintendent, Ed Neimeyer, asked him to serve a little church on the weekends. That little church turned out to be four small churches.

Also, while in college, Bob began to see a girl, Carolyn Mellenbruch, from his home town. In June of 1966 they were married at the Rich Hill Methodist Church. On their honeymoon, they went to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and served as Chaplains for a Christian Ministry in the National Parks.

After graduating from college with a BS in Education, Bob attended St. Paul’s School of Theology in Kansas City. He graduated from seminary in 1969 with a Masters of Divinity degree.

In 1968, Bob and Carolyn were appointed by the District Superintendent to the Lockwood parish. While living there, two sons were born to them: Kyle Weston and Ryan Allen. They also adopted a daughter Sandra Jean.

After serving 10 years in Lockwood, they were appointed to the Carrollton United Methodist Church. They went on to serve other churches in Missouri, including Marshall, Carthage, and St. Joseph. Bob’s last appointment was as the District Superintendent for the Mark Twain District in NE Missouri.

During his career, Bob was especially devoted to the conference camping program. He initiated the river canoe trips and the Colorado backpacking trips for youth in the conference.

Equally close to his heart was the Conference Ministerial Pension Program for which he chaired over 20 years. In addition, he served eight years as the Chair of the Council of Finance and Administration for the Conference.

Bob’s main hobby was woodworking. He built many beautifully crafted pieces of furniture for his own home and for others. After Bob and Carolyn retired, they – along with the help of their older son Kyle – built a home in rural Webb City.

Preceding Bob in death were his parents and brother, James Edward McCombs. Survivors include two sons, Kyle Weston of Carthage, MO, and Ryan Allen (Kathy) of Hanover, MA; daughter, Sandra Jean Fischer of Apache Junction, AZ; brother, Rick (Peggy) of Kansas City, MO; sister-in-law, Susan McCombs of Pleasant Hill, MO; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The McCombs family wants to thank the Mercy Oncology doctors, nurses and staff for giving such tender loving care to our loved one.

Funeral services will be held 10 am, Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church, Carthage, MO. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall at the church. Burial will follow visitation at Green Lawn Cemetery, Rich Hill, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Central Conference Pensions (CCP), which are conferences all over world other than in the United States, in care of Knell Mortuary. CCP’s mission is to provide support to retired UMC pastors and surviving spouses. Today, over 3,100 pensioners throughout the central conferences are receiving monthly payments to buy food, medicine and other necessities to help care for their families from these gifts. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.