Philip requested that no titles, accolades, or accomplishments be mentioned in his obituary. He said, “All glory should go to God.”

Rev. Philip D Combs was born September 4, 1947, to Revs Joe and Ada (Lockard) Combs. His early life was spent in Prestonsburg, KY and Houston, MO, where his parents pastored. In his senior year of high school, he met Marydell Austin, and they married on February 19, 1966.

They were both completely committed to following Jesus wherever He led, and they excitedly and passionately began their evangelistic and pastoral ministry. While pastoring in southern Missouri, their three daughters, LaBetha, Naara, and Erin were born. This young family received missionary appointment in 1974 to Taiwan where they served for 13 years. Ministry continued in New York, Guam, and mainland China.

Following their overseas ministry, Philip worked in Life Publishers until his retirement in 2013. Marydell, his loving and faithful ministry partner of 47 years, passed away shortly thereafter.

God graciously brought a beautiful, bubbly bundle of love in the form of Martha Hall into his life. They married on October 5, 2013, and began their life together of travelling, pastoring, and ministry. For 11 years, they enjoyed life to the full, so they were very happy together. At that time of their lives, they were free to enjoy each other and multiple friends with cruises, bus trips, game nights, and hymn sings. With the labor and work of life in the past, they experienced as Philip often said, “Some of the happiest times of my life.”

Loved ones remaining are his wife, Martha; three daughters: LaBetha McGinnis, Naara (Roger) Kean, and Erin (Brian) Martin; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four sisters: Bonita Story, Lois Mayes, Gloria Jenney, and Esther Novak; and a host of wonderful colleagues and friends. The impact of his life and ministry will only be known in eternity.

The funeral and celebration of life will be Monday, November 18, 2024, at Central Assembly of God in Springfield, Missouri with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am followed by the funeral service at 11:00am. The graveside service will be at Pine Lawn Cemetery, Houston, Missouri also on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 3:30pm.

Memorial donations may be made in Phil’s honor to Footprint Fund to help with missionary outreach. Contributions may be mailed to: Central Assembly of God, 1301 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, MO 65802 or by visiting: https://www.centralassembly.org/give

Services were entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home, North. Condolences and fond memories may be shared on this website.