David A. Combs

David A. Combs passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on March 30, 2025. He was 61 years old. The son of Clyde Eugene Combs and Isabella Cates Combs, both of which precede him in death. Born in Hamilton, Ohio June 4, 1963, David attended Talawanda High School, Miami University and The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Finding his passion for the arts early in life, David performed in every theater production Talawanda High School had to offer except the all female cast of “The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigold” of which he was the assistant director. After high school, David started performing at Kings Island in their theatre productions and went on to perform at community theatres, including La Comedia as the male lead in “Singin in the Rain”. From there, he went on an European world tour of “West Side Story” as a swing “Jet”. David went on to play Don Kerr in the National Touring Company’s “A Chorus Line”, one of his favorite roles and shows. David also performed on the Royal Caribbean cruise ships for several years. One of his peak performances was playing Lumierre in Disney’s Broadway musical “Beauty and the Beast” he was also the dance captain and was the understudy for 17 parts in the production. David moved back to Hamilton after living in New York for 14 years. After his career, David found his second passion- teaching the arts. He went on to enjoy a prolific life of teaching vocal lessons to many of his adored students. His talents knew no bounds.

David is survived by his older brother and friend, Clyde Ervin Combs; his sister, Linda (Combs) Swarthwood; brother in law, Anthony Meredith Swarthwood; and his pride and joys, his two nephews, Aidan Mace Swarthwood and Jacob Grey Swarthwood. David had a love for everyone he came into contact with, he knew no stranger. He was most comfortable gardening on the farm and care taking his menagerie of farm animals. David was witty, charming, intelligent but most of all kind. He will be missed by so many.

Please join us in celebrating his life. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Brown Dawson Flick Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45013.  Funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM with Rev. Roger Sheldon officiating.  Burial will follow at Millville Cemetery.