Celina, OH – Loren Ira Combs, 89, passed away at his home in Celina on Nov. 5, 2025.
He was born Oct. 8, 1936, in Charles City, Iowa, to the late Paul and Edna (Brown) Combs. Loren and Lois Ann (Walker) were married in Hilliard, Ohio, on July 21, 1956. Lois preceded him in death March 18, 2023.
Loren leaves behind their son, Paul Combs of Celina, and two grandchildren, Michael Combs and Carrie Combs. Also surviving are his sister, Marian Smith of Greenville; brother, Marvin (Bonnie) Combs of Eaton; and sister-in-law, Joanne White of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by brothers Bob and Sally Combs, Eddie and Margaret Combs, Jim and Gayle Combs, and Phillip and Judy Wright; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Bob Miller, Gerald Walker, Iva Sheets, Bill White, and Betty Walker; stepmother, Mildred Combs; and his parents-in-law, Francis and Amey (Orahood) Walker.
Loren was a 1955 graduate of West Alexandria High School in Preble County, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1959.
Loren was a self-employed blacksmith and a driver/trainer of Standardbred.
He was a past member of the Montezuma United Methodist Church, and a member of Celina Masonic Lodge #241, the Mercer County Harness Horsemen’s Association, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association, and the United States Trotting Association.
Loren owned Standardbreds and enjoyed harness racing and horse pulling. Loren truly loved horses.
Calling hours are being held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, followed by the funeral service at 2. Chaplain Kevin Hall will officiate.
Burial will follow at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina, with Graveside Military Rites to be conducted by members of Celina VFW Post #5713 and American Legion Post #210.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association, 157 N. Main St., Salem, NH 03079; Cancer Association of Mercer County, PO Box 624, Celina, OH 45822-0624; or any Hospice organization.
The Combs family would like to extend a special thank you to the Cancer Association of Mercer County, the Compassus Hospice Program at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s, and to Dee and the entire staff at the Fountain Restaurant.