Homer Adams

Homer Adams, 81, formerly of Coffeyville, passed away November 8, 2008, among friends and family in Frontenac, Kansas, after suffering from a long illness. Homer Frederick Adams was born June 12, 1927 near Sharon, in rural Barber County, Kansas, to Ralph C. and Arvilla Byers Adams. Homer spent his early childhood on farms near Sharon and Wellington, Kansas. While he was still in grade school, Homers family moved to a farm located about five miles northeast of Coffeyville, Kansas. In 1945, Homer enlisted in the U. S. Navy, serving during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was a machinist mate aboard a Landing Transport Ship LST and received an honorable discharge after the War ended. He was a 1946 Graduate of Field Kindley High School, as well as a graduate of Coffeyville Junior College, with an Associates of Science Degree. During the late 1940s, Homer worked as a heavy equipment operator during the construction of U. S. 169 Highway, which transected the family farm. On May 17,1950, Homer married the Love of his Life, MariellaMari Beal in Coffeyville. They made their home in Coffeyville. In 1951, Homer was hired as a Firefighter for the Coffeyville Fire Department. He served as a Coffeyville Firefighter for 26 years, and retired as a Captain. During his service with the Fire Department, he received several commendations, including an American Red Cross Life Saving Award for his participation in the rescue of two children from a burning residence. In addition to being a Firefighter, Homer was also co-owner of Foy Refrigeration, and later, owner of Adams Heating and Air of Coffeyville. Homer was a 50-year member of the Coffeyville American Legion Post, and was a past member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the International Association of Firefighters, and the National Rifle Association. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mari; an infant son, Brian; his parents; a sister, Jewel Porter; and a step-grandson, Tom Stimpson. Survivors include a daughter, Lisa Adams, of Wichita; two sons, Bruce and Sherri Adams, Pittsburg Kansas; Blake and Patricia Adams, Bettendorf Iowa; five brothers, Hazen and Inez Adams, of Yorktown, Virginia; Bill and Saundra Adams of rural Liberty, Kansas; Melvin and Helen Adams of Keifer, Oklahoma; Don and Kay Adams of Independence, Kansas; Dean and Mary Nell Adams, Newport News, Virginia; A sister-in-law, Lawanda Hendricks, Bartlesville, Oklahoma; five grandchildren; Tara, Reid and Jenna Adams of Bettendorf, Iowa; Tanya Gath of Weir, Kansas, and Jerrod Wilson of Shawnee, Kansas; three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Ford-Wulf-Bruns Funeral Home, 2405 Woodland, Coffeyville, Kansas where the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. that evening. Services for Homer Adams will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the Penwell-Gabel Ford-Wulf- Bruns Funeral Chapel, Coffeyville. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabels Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Coffeyville. The family suggests contributions to the Alzheimers Association in care of Penwell-Gabel Ford Wulf-Bruns-Chapel.