Dan Combs, the trustee for Perry Township since 1986 and a Bloomington resident, died Tuesday. He was 73, the B Square Bulletin reported. Combs’ death was announced by Monroe County officials on social media.
As trustee, Combs oversaw township assistance, such as financial help with housing or food, for Monroe County’s Perry Township, which includes the southern half of Bloomington.
Combs, who served as trustee for 40 years, did not intend to run for re-election this year, according to WFIU.
From 2003-05, Combs served as chair for the Monroe County Democratic Party.
Combs taught political science at Bloomington High School South and spent a year teaching at Wabash Valley Correctional Center, according to The Limestone Post. He also wrote a column for The Herald-Times under the nickname “Carp” Combs.
In 2015, Combs was awarded “Trustee of the Year” by the Indiana Township Association for his commitment to public service. The nomination cited his work with New Leaf, a local nonprofit that provides supportive services for inmates before and after release.
Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson released a video statement reflecting on Combs’ work Tuesday evening.
“Dan was a fierce advocate for the people of Bloomington,” Thomson said. “He was a man who was of the people, and who was always looking for creative solutions, especially for those who were living without a lot of money in our community.”
Combs supported multiple community organizations in and around Bloomington. Many of these organizations, including Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Community Kitchen and Pantry 279, have also released statements on social media honoring Combs’ work.
“While some leaders become stagnant after years in their role, Dan maintained curiosity in his commitment to our community,” Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard's statement read. “He continued to examine the how and why of food insecurity and think creatively about investing in mitigation its impact.”
Julio Alonso, executive director of Hoosier Hills Food Bank, wrote in a statement that Combs was an “example of why township government is so important in Indiana.”
“In all my experience I found no greater advocate for those experiencing poverty, food insecurity or housing struggles than Dan Combs,” Alonso wrote. “His light will continue to shine in the legacy he created with his support of so many people and organizations.”
