Ronald Hugh Combs, 85, departed this life quietly at his home in Georgetown, Texas on August 29, 2023.
Ron was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma on December 11, 1937. He was the son of Cleo and Tessie Combs. Ron’s childhood included frequent relocations, as his dad’s job took his family to many different oil fields. He often lived in company camps. His family eventually settled in Russell, Kansas where he attended all four years of high school. There, he met the love of his life, Mary Jane Boxberger. The two were married in 1956, just before their sophomore year at Fort Hayes State University. All-in-all he ended up getting three degrees, including two master’s degrees in special education and educational psychology. His career took many turns through the years and ranged from working to create the training program for the original seven astronauts, to becoming an advocate for changing how this country educates its handicapped citizens. In that role, he created one of the model programs for mainstreaming and educating special needs students within school classrooms and worked with other psychologists as part of President Johnson’s advisory group to help craft the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Ron and Mary had two children, Michael Scott and Patrick Lantz, daughter-in-law Anne-Marie and two grandchildren, John Patrick and Diana Frances. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael, his wife Mary, and his two sisters Argie and June.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church, 4010 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628. Family and friends are invited to attend a BBQ lunch after the service at the home of Pat & Anne-Marie Combs, 303 Hills of Texas Trail, Georgetown Texas 78633. Memorials may be given to the USO (United Service Organization, Inc.) to support our troops and families and can be sent to the care of the mortuary. Ramsey Funeral Home (www.Ramsey Funeral.com) is coordinating the funeral arrangements.