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McCOMBS RICHARD L. Age 90, of West Mifflin, formerly of Uniontown, PA, died peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2015, at his home. He was born on September 24, 1924, in Uniontown, a son of George P. and Ellen (Rutter) McCombs. Richard was the much beloved husband of 68 years to A.W. (Swift) McCombs; loving father and best friend to son, Randy McCombs of Pittsburgh; grandfather of Mackenzie Tyer of Stowe, VT; and brother of G. Edwin McCombs of Florida. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Lindsay (Tyer). Richard graduated from Uniontown High School in 1942. After beginning his studies at Penn State University, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 serving as part of General George S. Patton's 3rd Army during World War II. Within a month of his return from his service in the Army, Richard met his future wife, A.W., at the local drug store and soda shop. This chance meeting resulted in a romance of 68 years with the love of his life. Richard and A.W. moved to State College where he finished his degree in engineering, graduating in 1949. Upon graduation, Richard began a 46 year career at the Monongahela Connecting Railroad and later the LTV Railroad Systems. After starting out as a draftsman, his continued hard work and contributions in leadership resulted in a promotion in 1988 to Vice President of Operations for the Six LTV Railroads and being appointed to its Board of Directors. In 1994, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of the LTV Railroads with his retirement in 1995. Richard was a great man of faith and a longtime, active member of the Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church. He served the church in various roles: past President of the Board of Trustees, Clerk of Session and chaired numerous pulpit search committees. Outside of his faith and family, Richard's next love was the game of golf. He was a member of South Hills Country Club for over 39 years where he had so many enjoyable times with friends and family including a hole-in-one on #7. Richard held past positions and memberships in various organizations including: Sigma Pi fraternity, The Pennsylvania Railroad Association, Pittsburgh Railway Club, Past President of the Cleveland Roamers, the Planning Commission for the Borough of West Mifflin, Board of South Hills Country Club, Board of LTV Railroad System. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Pleasant Hills-Guthrie Lodge # 509 and rose through the ranks of The Commandery and The Shrine, joining the Royal Order of Jesters. Richard was a true gentleman, respected by many, who genuinely loved his friends, family and church. He will be missed by many including his loving wife and grateful son. Friends will be received at JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 4201 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227, (412) 881-4100, on Thursday, July 23, 2015, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, July 24, 2015, at 9 a.m. at Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church, 199 Old Clairton Road, Pleasant Hills, PA 15236 with Dr. E. Stanley Ott, officiating. A Masonic Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 5:45 p.m. The family is grateful for the help and care of so many friends over the years, especially those at Seven Oaks Hospice Care. The family suggests that donations may be made to either Seven Oaks Hospice Care or the Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church. Richard's funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the GOLDSBORO - FABRY FUNERAL HOME, INC., Fairchance, PA. On line condolences are welcome at: www.goldsboro-fabry.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
