William “Bill” C. Adams was born September 1931, in Argyle, KY, in the home of his maternal grandmother, the first child of Matt and Geneva (Elliot) Adams. He spent his childhood between Casey County, KY, and Cincinnati, OH. Bill graduated from Eubank High School and a year later joined the U.S. Air Force, where his lifelong love of aviation began. He flew in many missions during the Korean War and was known for his precision as a Boom Operator.
He met the love of his life, his wife, Jo Ann, on a blind date and they were married in October 1952. Together they completed Bill’s tour of duty and then settled in Cincinnati. He worked briefly as an airplane mechanic in Chicago before settling in at RCA, where he devoted 35 years of service. Bill transferred to the Marion facility in 1971 as the Materials Manager and retired in 1989. He was an avid golfer and spent many happy hours at the Elks Lodge #195, where he served a term as the Chaplain. He loved all things connected with aviation and held a private pilot’s license, with instrument rating. When his family was young, he would often take them on excursions. His most memorable experiences were traveling with his wife in retirement and spending time with his family and friends. Bill never met a stranger and was loved by many.
Bill was devoted to his wife of 63 years and cared for her with love beyond measure. He always felt his greatest accomplishment was his family, whom he loved dearly. Bill was a devout Catholic, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He leaves behind three children, Julia Marvin, Redding CA, Rick Adams (Tina), Columbus OH, and Jeff Adams (Tracy), Melbourne, KY; granddaughter, Mary Ann Adams, Aurora, IN; great-grandsons, Austin and Eli; granddaughter, April Marvin, Portland, OR; brother, Jim Adams (Joyce); sister, Anne Hammond (Paul); brothers-in-law, Jim Loftus (Ann) and John Loftus; as well as nieces, nephews, and many friends. He will always be loved, remembered, and dearly missed.
Funeral Mass will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1031 Kem Road, Marion, IN, with Fr. Richard Weisenberger officiating. Burial will follow at Marion National Cemetery in Marion, IN.
Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon prior to services on Wednesday at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st St., Ste. 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.