Herman Wesley Combs

Herman Wesley Combs passed to God on February 10, 2009. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Hazel Doris Byrd Combs. He was born on July 4, 1933 to Peggy Godsey Combs and Henry Combs. Herman grew up in Nicholasville, Kentucky. He lived in Pembroke Pines, Florida. He was a loving father to his three daughters, Rosemary Kay (Dr. Lance Mays) of Bullhead City, AZ; Jane Wesley (Glen Wulf) of Sunrise, Florida; and Rebecca Jo Combs of Pembroke Pines, Florida. Herman is survived by his siblings Carrie C. Hillock, James H. Combs, and his twin brother Arnold Combs. His siblings John M Combs, Marie Land, Hattie Dorsey, and Bonnie Jean Neal predeceased him.

Herman Combs, a veteran of the Korean War, was a Sergeant 1st Class while serving in the Third Armored Tank Division of the United States Army. He was decorated for bravery and was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. In 1953, Herman apprenticed himself to blacksmith K. P. Hillock at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington and joined the International Union of Journeymen Horseshoers of the United States and Canada. He later became the president of Local #3, a position that he held for many years. Herman was elected to the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame in 1996. During his 42-year career, he shod numerous legendary horses for the most renowned trainers on the northeastern thoroughbred circuit. Herman Combs passed on his tradition of honesty, integrity, and skill in corrective horseshoeing to many deserving apprentices. Herman Combs was a 32nd Degree Mason at the Oleeta-West Dade Lodge 145 and a Noble member of the Mahi Shrine of Miami, Florida.

Services will be held at 10:30am Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Betts & West Funeral Home (Nicholasville, KY). Minister Jim Bird of the Broadway Christian Church will officiate. Burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8pm Friday. Bearers will be Lance Mays, Glen Wulf, Grover Huff, Leslie Combs, Jim Land, Danny Combs, Gary Ginn, and Andrew Ginn. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be sent in memory of Herman W. Combs to The Veterans Administration Nursing Home Fund GTF8006, 1201 NW 16 Street, Miami, FL 33125 (ph 305-575-3140).

Online guestbook at www.BettsandWestfuneralhome.com

Visitation:
4-8pm Friday, February 13, 2009 at Betts & West Funeral Home

Funeral:
10:30am Saturday, February 14, 2009 at Betts & West Funeral Home

Interment:
Maple Grove Cemetery