Stephen M. Combs

Stephen M. Combs, 40, a resident of Chicago, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016.  He was born September, 13, 1975 in Lake Forest, IL.  Stephen was a filmmaker, screenwriter, director and cinematographer.  He was particularly proud of his work with academy award winning cinematographer, Haskell Wexler and his role as cinematographer on the 2009 film, "The First Breath of Tengan Rei". It was screened at Chicago's Gene Siskel Film Center and many other film festivals nationwide receiving accolades from the industry and fans alike.  Stephen is survived by his parents Maureen and Russell Combs, his brother Alexander (Kelley) Combs, his nephew Bennett Combs, his aunts and uncles Jane and Gerry Manarik, Peter and Peg Scurto, and Cathy and Lynn O'Dell, his grandfather Leonard Barringhaus, and numerous cousins.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Meredythe and Russell Scurto and his paternal grandmother Ula Combs-Barringhaus, his paternal aunt and uncles Tom and Sharon Combs and Robert Barringhaus.  A visitation and funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 10:00am until 12:00pm, with a funeral service commencing at 12:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  Interment will follow at Grant Cemetery in Ingleside, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in memory of Professor Combs, Film and Media Department; St. Augustine University 1315 Oakwood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27610.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.