by Tom Schott, Purdue Associate Sports Information Director
October 27, 1998
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Former Purdue team physician Loyal W. "Doc" Combs passed away this morning at the age of 78.
Combs served as team physician for the Boilermakers for all but two years from 1956-94, spearheading one of the most respected sports medicine programs in the United States. He also was director of the Purdue Student Hospital from 1956-81. Combs was inducted into the Purdue Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997 and was recipient of the Diamond "P" Award (for distinguished service and commitment to Purdue athletics) in 1986.
His never-ending efforts in the field of sports medicine were recognized in 1982 when the National Athletic Trainers Association bestowed its highest honor on Combs, the President's Challenge Cup Award. He was honored as the Hovde Chair Distinguished Professor of Sports Medicine in 1981 and was accorded emeritus status by the Purdue Board of Trustees upon his retirement in 1994.
Combs also spent a great deal of time assisting sports medicine programs at places other Purdue, serving as team physician for the 1977 U.S. World Games team and the 1957 U.S. Pan American Games contingent.
A native of Lowell, Ind., Combs earned his bachelor's degree from Purdue in 1942. He was a football letterwinner in 1939, 1940 and 1941 and earned All-Big Ten and team Most Valuable Player honors as a senior. Combs played professionally for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1942, then entered Marquette Medical School and earned his degree in 1946. He is a member of the Indiana Football Hall of Fame and was named to the Sports Illustrated Silver Anniversary All-America team in 1967.
Combs is survived by his wife, Sally; children, Sally Jean Fellman and Paul W. Combs Sr.; and grandchildren Paul W. Combs Jr., Angela Rondinelli, James Fellman and Patrick Combs.
Following is information regarding the arrangements: The viewing service will be held Thursday, Oct. 29 from 5-8 p.m. at Hippensteel Funeral Home (located at 9th and Salem in Lafayette) with the funeral Friday at 1 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church (located at 6th and Ferry in Lafayette). An an alternative to flowers, the family requests donations to the Newell-Combs Athletic Training Scholarship at Purdue.