Nelson Brown Combs Jr. Oct. 16, 1934 – Feb. 21, 2022
Update of Graveside time ~ Services start promptly at 10am on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the Fair Haven Cemetery in Mulberry
Nelson was born to Beulah and Nelson Combs Sr. in Mulberry, Indiana where he spent his childhood. As his father was a medical doctor and joined the Navy during WWII, he moved, along with his mother and younger sister, Sarah Jane, to various Naval Stations during the war years. Returning to Mulberry he became an Eagle Scout, prior to attending Indiana University.
After completing his education, he joined the US Navy becoming the Supply Officer on the U.S.S. Bauer, a Destroyer Escort that cruised the Western Pacific Rim. His last duty station was the officer in charge of the Commissary Store on Treasure Island where he had the honor of meeting Admiral Nimitz.
During this period, Nelson decided San Francisco would be his forever home.
Upon discharge, he worked for the Schlage Lock Company as their national and international credit manager. While working full time, he attended Golden Gate Law School at night, graduating in1972. He went into law practice with James Lia of Lia and Combs with an office in the Glen Park neighborhood. It was later that he found his true calling as a financial advisor, specializing in retirement funds.
He was a member of the Naval Order of the United States, San Francisco Commandery and the Cogers Society of San Francisco. His passion was baseball and jazz. He was well known for his extensive music collection of records, CD’s and books that began during his college years where he paid his way as the buyer and manager of a record store near campus. While listening to music, he would often tell stories to friends of his many hours in jazz clubs listening to his favorite musicians. Remember him the next time you hear Lester Young, Clifford Brown or Bill Evans.
Nelson and Barbara Lange were married in1964 and were together 58 years. He is survived by Barbara, his brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
A graveside service will be on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 10:00 am in the Fair Haven Cemetery in Mulberry. A private celebration of his life will be held in San Francisco at a later date. Contributions in his memory may made to The Jazz Conservatory c/o Susan at 2087 Addison St. Berkeley, CA. 94704. Online condolences may be made at www.gendafuneralhome.com.