Clarence Van Coombs – 86 – of 21 Armory Place, Hornell, died early Thursday morning (March 22, 2018) at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility, following a brief illness.

Born in Dansville, NY on August 1, 1931 and was the son of Shelley & Marinda (Kemp) Coombs.

Clarence grew up in the Dansville area and attended Alfred-Almond Central School.  He resided in Canisteo for about 47 years and has lived in Hornell since 2002.

For several years, Clarence worked at Ingersoll Rand Corporation in Painted Post, NY and also at A&P Food Processing in Horseheads, NY.  He had been employed at the former Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail for over 20 years, retiring in 1993 as a trackman and truck driver.  He had been a member of the Adrian Baptist Church for many years.

In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Coombs Leach (died in 2016); his grandson, Jeremy Coombs (died in 2004); three brothers, Bill Coombs, Dick Coombs and Frank Coombs.

He was married on December 12, 1953 to the former Joan Freeland who survives.  Also surviving are three daughters, Indy (Dave) King of Savona, Janine (Tim) Doane of Elmira Heights and Kelly (Karl) Thompson of Canisteo; two sons, Dan (Deb) Coombs of Canisteo and Robin (Denise) Coombs of Perkinsville; 1 sister, Louella (Richard) Brown of Dansville; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Clarence Van Coombs will receive friends on Saturday from 2:00 PM  –  4:00 PM at the Canisteo Wesleyan Church located on Greenwood St., Canisteo where a Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 4:00 PM  with Rev. Tony Ross officiating.  Final interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Canisteo, NY.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. 

Clarence’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Ann & Carl Meyers Cancer Center, 111 Clara Barton St., Dansville, NY 14437.