Earle Martin Combs

Earle Martin Combs III, 93, of Barrington, Ill., passed away on November 9, 2023. Born in Chicago on March 12, 1930, Earle’s life was a reflection of his strong belief in Jesus. His servant heart was apparent to all who knew him, guiding his every action with kindness and humility.

Earle, a proud graduate of Morgan Park Military Academy and the Fred Archer School of Photography, also held an honorary doctorate from Northern Seminary. In 1954, he married Virginia Merring, and they had 69 beautiful years together. Earle’s professional life was marked by his leadership at E.M. Combs & Son and his steadfast presence at the Chicago Board of Trade for over five decades.

Beyond his business acumen, Earle’s philanthropic efforts were a testament to his desire to serve, contributing to the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Camp Manito-wish in Boulder Junction, and the Chicago Symphony. He started his love for the Northwoods at Camp Minocqua and later built a log cabin on Lake Tomahawk and cherished many summers spent there. He found peace and connection with his family at their Northwoods cabin, enjoying nature, fishing, and watersports. He also was very involved with his church, Faith Free when he was up there.

Earle’s passion for collecting stamps and coins, bird watching, puzzle-solving, and his love for the Langham Partnership were outshined only by his adventure spirit and his deep-rooted love for Jesus, which he lived out every day. Earle will be remembered for his generous spirit, his gentle heart, and his unwavering faith.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia; children, Bonnie (Les) Etters, Earle “Chip” (Karla) Combs, IV, Eric (Claudia) Combs, and Leanne (Tim) Turnquist; grandchildren, Rebecca (Jake) Hasseler, Stephanie (Kyle) Boudreau, Lesley (Ryan) Valentine, Valerie (William) Robinson, Earle “Marty” (Laura) Combs, V, Matthew (Katie) Combs, Meagan Combs (Zachary Schwasman), Mallory (Jackson) Harter, Thomas (Stephanie) Ciccarelli, Michael (Kara) Ciccarelli, Philip (Sheri) Ciccarelli, Lillian Turnquist and Robert Turnquist; and great-grandchildren, Oliver, Nora, and Royal Hasseler, Thomas and June Boudreau, Joelle Robinson, Ingrid, Elsie, Annika and Kirsten Combs, Earle “Levi,” IV, and Everett Combs, and Tyler and Josephine Combs, and Nina, Vera, Vinnie, Stella, Rocco, Chloë, and Luca Ciccarelli. He is further survived by his sister, Nancy Cronin.

Services were held in Barrington.

Please consider a memorial in Earle’s name to Langham Partnership at www.langhampartnership.org or The White House at www.barringtonswhitehouse.com or Village Church of Barrington at www.vcbweb.org. To leave a fond memory of Earle please visit his tribute page at www.davenportfamily.com.