Earle Martin Combs, III

Earle Martin Combs III, 93, of Barrington, 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, WI, and the Chicago Symphony. He found peace and connection with his family at their Northwoods cabin, enjoying nature, fishing, and watersports.

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.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 12, from 4pm until 7pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 W. Main St., Barrington. A funeral service will be held Monday, November 13, at 10:30am at Village Church of Barrington, 1600 E Main St, Barrington (see link below to watch via livestream).  Burial will be at Mt. Greenwood Cemetery, Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Earle's name to Langham Partnership or The White House or The Village Church of Barrington .

To watch Earle's funeral service on YouTube, please click here .