Major John D. Adams, age 84, of Brownwood passed peacefully in his sleep Saturday evening. He is with the Lord and Savior.
John grew up near the town of Seminole, Oklahoma and entered the U.S. Army at a young age to serve his country and begin a lifelong adventure. Shortly thereafter he met his future bride, Nada Leona Adams, who joined him in that adventure. He served for 21 years in numerous locations both in the U.S. and abroad, including Japan and Germany. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne and later became a proficient pilot of both airplanes and helicopters. After graduating from Officer Candidate School in Ft. Sill Oklahoma, John rose to the rank of Major. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam and ended his assignments in Corpus Christi, where he ran a major aircraft repair facility for the U.S. Army. Among the many awards he received during his service, he received the Bronze Star for Distinguished Service. After retirement, John and Leona moved to Brownwood where he completed his degree in Business at Howard Payne University. He spent much of his retirement years pursuing his hobby of restoring cars as well as enjoying time with his family. John was a member of the Freemasons, Scottish Rite and Suez Temple of the Shrine.
He is survived by his lifelong companion and bride, Leona Adams as well as his children Jerry (Stacy) Adams and Rob (M’Lynn) Adams, four grandchildren, Tonya (Jesse) Melendrez, Brooke (Adam) Herbst, Chelsea (Steven) Beslanowitch, Austin J. Adams and seven great-grandchildren, Madison, Caden, Neely, Chloe, Emma, Corbin, Jack. Other relatives include Cindy Adams of Killeen, Christine Hood, Kathy Adams, Kim Adams and Debra George along with many other relatives who will miss him.
Family visitation will be held from 6 – 8pm on Friday, December 15th at Heartland Funeral and Cremation Service located at 303 Early Blvd. Early, Texas 76802. Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday at the same location. A graveside service will be held thereafter at Jordan Springs Cemetery.
Flowers may be sent to Heartland. The family has also requested that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made in John’s name to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at www.suezshriners.com .
Throughout his life, John developed friendships that were deeply rooted and spanned time and geography. He was a true patriot and anyone who knew him remembers his integrity and honor. He will be missed greatly by all whose lives he touched and will forever reside in our hearts.
Rest in Peace Major Adams – we love you.
