Lyle Omer Combs was born on April 28, 1936 in Thomas, Oklahoma to Leslie and Marjorie Combs, the youngest of four children, and passed away on November 4, 2020 in Edmond, Oklahoma having reached the age of 84 years, 6 months and 6 days.

Lyle preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gordon Combs; sister, Norma Jean Fender Hight; and brother, Charles Combs. Lyle is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Combs; son, David Lyle Combs and wife, Danielle of Owasso; and daughter, Nancy Towne and husband, Bret of Edmond. Also surviving Lyle are his grandchildren, Peter Lyle Towne and wife, Taylor of Edmond; Patrick Towne also of Edmond; Karsyn Combs, Jagger Combs and Preslee Combs of Owasso; as well as two great-grandchildren Parker Towne and Turner Lyle Towne.

As a young child, Lyle moved to Enid from Thomas where he went to school though the second grade before moving back home to Thomas. Lyle was his Senior Class President and played football for Mr. Ross and Mr. Roof winning a State Championship in 1951 and runner-up in 1953. Lyle always talked about the special relationship with his teammates and coaches and the pride that he had from playing football at such an historic program as Thomas has.

Lyle graduated from Thomas High School in 1954 and began attending the University of Oklahoma where he walked on to the football team as a freshman. His claim to fame that year was stepping on Coach Wilkinson's foot and breaking several of the coach's toes. Lyle quickly became very familiar with all the bleacher steps in the stadium and special workouts with Coach Port Roberts. The next year Lyle chose to concentrate on his rigorous engineering courses.

While in college, Lyle married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Shirley Helzer on August 24, 1956. Upon graduation from OU in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering and later a Masters degree in Aeronautical and Aero Space Engineering in 1961. Lyle began working for aerospace companies in Fort Worth and at Tinker Air Force Base. He then joined the Federal Aviation Administration at the FAA Academy and Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. During his 32 years with the FAA, Lyle rose to the position of Branch Manager of the FAA's Aviation Standards Division.

Lyle and Shirley moved back to Thomas in 1969 with David and Nancy. Besides working at the FAA Center, Lyle began farming in the evenings and on weekends. Lyle retired from the FAA In 1990 and eventually retired from farming in 2007. In Thomas, Lyle was an active member and Sunday school teacher at the Thomas First Methodist Church. As a civic leader in Thomas, Lyle led the effort to acquire a large tent for civic events, helped form the Thomas Public Schools Foundation, and started a community Thanksgiving dinner that is still taking place each year in town.

Lyle Combs was known for his character and integrity, his intelligence, his love and commitment to his community, family, friends and his unwavering belief in and dedication to his savior Jesus Christ. Lyle Combs will be greatly missed by his many friends and family.