Combs: Gun World Editor passes

Roger John Combs died at age 82, on November 27, 2014 at his home in Fallbrook, CA after several years of battling cancer. He is survived by his widow, Jean and children Raymond, Patricia, Susie and Edward and 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Roger was born in Seattle, WA, in 1932 to Raymond and Clare Combs. He graduated from West Seattle High School with a full scholarship to MIT. He later finished a degree in History at Chapman College. Roger started his military career with the Navy in 1951, followed by a short hitch in the Air Force before joining his beloved Marine Corp where he served out his military career. Roger met and married his wife Jean in 1959. After Rogers’s retirement from the Marine Corp. in 1975, he started his second career as a Journalist and Magazine Editor for Gallant Charger Publishing where he continued to write throughout his life.

Rogers’s military career began as a Naval Sea Bee. In the Marine Corp he rose from Private to Chief Warrant Officer 4. He served 2 tours in Vietnam and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Letter of Appreciation for the Certificate of Commendation and the Pistol Expert Badge.

As a civilian magazine journalist, photo-journalist and editor, Roger worked on several gun, knife and hunting magazines including Gun World, Bow and Arrow Hunting and Horse and Horseman. Roger wrote or co-authored multiple books including Archer’s Digest, Gun Digest Book of Knifemaking and Crossbows to name a few.

Roger spent many years hunting, fishing and backpacking with his family. He also taught archery to Fallbrook 4H club members. Roger was an avid Animal Farmer and Gardener and was instrumental in raising many Guide Dogs For The Blind.

Roger was loved by many and will be missed by all. Please contact Fallbrook Berry Bell Mortuary for Funeral arrangements.