COOMBS: Donald E. , 81, of St. Johnsbury Center, died early
Wednesday morning, Oct. 6, 2004, at Northeastern Vermont
Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. He was born in St. Johnsbury,
Sept. 19, 1923, son of the late Howard W. and Norene S. (Jones)
Coombs. Don was a graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy, Class
of 1941. In 1942, he graduated from Aero Industries Technical
Institute in California as a combination airplane craftsman. he
then served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy, on
the Navy Construction Brigade. On July 18, 1955, he married
Dorothy Morrison. Don worked for New England Telephone for 40
years, retiring in 1985 as the central office repairman in the St.
Johnsbury office. He was active in the Telephone Pioneers of
America Club. An avid reader, Don kept up with current events
and local history. He enjoyed feeding and watching the local
ducks and wild birds. He was a strong Red Sox fan as well as a
Bruins, Patriots and Celtics fan. He also enjoyed keeping up with
his children's and grandchildren's activities. For the last six years,
Don's daughter Diane provided cared for him so he could
maintain his independence at home. Survivors include his wife of
nearly 50 years, Dorothy M. Coombs of St. Johnsbury Center;
three children, Lynn Root and her husband Terry of Lebanon,
N.H., Diane Coombs and her friend Randy LaLonde of St.
Johnsbury, and Ken Coombs and his wife Sheryl of Concord,
N.H.; seven grandchildren, Justin, Patrick and Megan Root,
Blakely Jenkins II, Michael Sumner, and Justin and Allie Foy; a
sister, Lorraine Laurin and her husband Richard of Star Lake,
N.Y.; two brothers-in-law, Carl Morrison and his wife Loraine of
Lebanon, N.H., and Herbert Barrett of St. Johnsbury; and nieces
and nephews. He was predeceased by an infant sister, Narene
Coombs; a brother, Kenneth Coombs; and his sister-in-law,
Martha M. Barrett. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 9,
at 11 a.m., at the funeral home with longtime family friend, the
Rev. Sally Chamberlin, officiating. Friends may call on the family
beginning one hour prior (10 a.m.) to the start of the service.
Burial will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers,
donations made in Don's memory may be directed to Caledonia
Home Health Inc., P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
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