John David McCombie Jr., the self-proclaimed “little real cowboy,” concluded his legendary ride on Friday, July 3, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family.

On November 11, 1946 this legend was born to Florence and John David McCombie, Sr. in Spangler, PA where he was raised with his four brothers – Ryan, Jeff, David, and Dan. From that day, there would be no one who could ever fill John’s cowboy boots that were “rode hard and hung up wet” each and everyday. He lived his life to the fullest and his legacy abounds with endless accomplishments including attaining Eagle Scout rank, serving in the 4th Infantry Division of the Vietnam War, belonging to the Masonic Lodge #313, earning a B.A. in Art Education from IUP in 1972, acting as a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1989, sculpting nationally recognized bronze sculptures, traveling the world, drilling a well in Haiti for a local village that immeasurably improved the quality of life of its residents, and most recently starting the “Raising Stars Foundation,” a humanitarian organization that provides assistance and help to those in need, here in the United States and around the world.

His most proud and cherished accomplishment was his family. In 1969 he claimed that he “kissed Barbara Ratay and life ended, as I knew it.” He and his life long “team mate” went on to have three children - John David III, Carey McCombie Schuster and Kelly McCombie Polsinelli, and are the proud grandparents of six grandchildren (and counting). He loved nothing more than being “home on the farm” with his beloved family and inspiring the world beyond from his “bunk house” (his artistic studio and infamous hangout).

John wished, “Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears. But laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you. I loved you so – ‘twas heaven with you.”

With this, a celebration of his life will take place on Friday, July 10, 2015 at the Kovalchick Center in Indiana where one of John’s lifetime achievements, the grand red tailed hawk, will soar overhead and he will continue to inspire those he leaves behind. Donations to his foundation, Raising Stars, are requested in his memory in lieu of flowers. Checks can be made payable to “Raising Stars Foundation” or by donating through the website www.raisingstarsfoundation.org. On Friday, the family receiving line will take place from 4:00-5:30 p.m. and the formal celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m.

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