Bill Adams

John William “Bill” Adams

John William “Bill” Adams, 85, died January 9th in his home.  He was born August 18, 1927, son of Robert and Ruth Adams.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Francis Rohr of New York.

Bill was a very loving husband and father.  He is survived by his wife Dolly and two daughters, Terry Adams – living in Canon City and Sherry Becker living with her husband Larry in Colorado Springs.  Bill is also survived by six grand children – John Klen, Zachary, Constance, Tracy, Alison and Janaeh, two great grand children – Olivia and Graham and two nieces – Deborah, Becky and Patti Rohr from New York.

Bill was born and raised in Lamar.  He graduated from Lamar High School in the class of 1945.  He enlisted in the United States Navy after High School and was honorably discharged 1 year later.  After the Navy he attended Atakagua (previous name for Lamar Junior College) where he graduated in 1948.  Bill owned the Adam’s Drive-In restaurant from 1949 through 1963, he leased out that business from 1954 until 1962 during which time he worked as a disc jockey at KLMR.  From 1963 through 1969, Bill operated the Philips 66 (Quinn Oil) on North Main.  When he left Quinn Oil, he and Dolly owned and operated a Motel in Silver City New Mexico.  He and Dolly were very homesick and moved back to Lamar in 1970.  Bill went back to managing a Philips 66 station, this time on South Main.  He left that position to join the RE2 School District working in the maintenance department.  He spent the next 13 years there and finally retired on July 1st 1990.  Bill was also an artist and specialized in pencil on canvas.  His favorite subjects were Native American Indians, dogs and family members.

Bill was a past exalted ruler of the Elks where he served from 1956 thru 1957.  In the 1960’s, Bill was the chairman of the Spreading Antlers golf course construction.  He enjoyed golfing at that golf course any chance he could.  He was able to accomplish 3 Holes in One on that course (2 on #2 and 1 on #8) and a Hole in One in Las Animas on #5.  He was very proud of that accomplishment. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association.  Arrangements are being handled by Peacock Funeral Home.  There will be no public viewing or services.