Remembering Don McCombs Published June 6, 2014 By Senior Airman Dillon Davis 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Don McCombs, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron service contract monitor, passed away at his home May 14, 2014. He was 60 years old. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, four grandchildren and two brothers. McCombs selflessly served Altus AFB from 2005-2014 in the 97th CES as a contract specialist and monitor. McCombs will always be remembered here at Altus for his hard work, dedication and honesty according to his coworkers. "He was one of the most honest and moral men I knew," said Dean Wood Thornton, who was a long-time friend of McCombs. "He inspired others with his work ethic, honesty and always treating everyone fairly. He was an awesome worker and devoted to his family." One time, when he noticed someone's performance was suffering, he came to Thornton just to ask if he was treating them fairly. Thornton said "He wanted to make sure the government was getting what they were paying for and that he wasn't being too hard on them, which he wasn't." "He made you feel like family and that you could call on him for anything," said friend Bill Coleman, friend and coworker. "He was a guy that I would have to mirror myself after." People could always count on McCombs to provide a laugh or two and helped provide the inspiration for others to do the right thing. "Don would make me smile and laugh every day at work," said Staff Sgt. Heather McCallay, 97th CES coworker. "He was the nicest guy ever. He was a friend to everyone and truly cared about everyone he ever talked to." McCombs was always happy to talk to new faces and made the work environment a place where others could feel comfortable and welcomed. "I always looked forward to seeing Don," said Tyler Van Sickmeier, 97th CES coworker. McCombs will be missed here at Altus AFB but his teachings and legacy will continue on.