1939
2011
Donald E. Adams, age 72, passed away Sunday morning, April 10, at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, after a long battle with heart disease. Donald was born March 2, 1939 in Houston, Texas, to W.E. and Margaret Pouland Adams. He was the oldest of three children who enjoyed growing up in a country setting in Alum Creek, Bastrop County, Texas.
Donald graduated from Smithville High School in 1957 where he participated in baseball, chorus, and Future Farmers of America. His passion for music led him to perform in venues such as The Louisiana Hayride, Austin's Sportscenter Jamboree, and the Bastrop Country Hour radio program. Following graduation, Donald joined the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in California.
After serving in the US Marine Corps, he returned to Smithville, Texas where he married his high school sweetheart, Connie Roberts on October 8, 1960 in Floresville, Texas. Together, they had three children. Donald attended Southwest Texas State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling. Throughout his lifetime, Donald served as a minister in the churches of Christ, a businessman and a teacher. He devoted himself to the service of the Lord and served as a pulpit minister, deacon, elder and Bible class teacher. During their retirement, Donald and Connie enjoyed travel, church activities, and their children and grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are his parents, W.E. and Margaret Pouland Adams; a brother Jimmy Ray Adams; brother-in-law Carl E. Anderson and brother-in-law Charles Roberts.
Survivors include his wife Connie; son Duane (Heather) Adams of Amarillo; daughter Melody (Robert) Kern of Abilene; and Mary (Allen) Ashlock of Paris, Tennessee; grandchildren Megan, Micah, and Callie Adams; Justin, Travis, and Bradley Kern; Lauren, Adam, Tanner, and Taylor Ashlock. He is also survived by his sister Norma Adams Anderson of Smithville and a sister-in-law, Bess Ann Glenn Roberts of Round Rock.
A celebration of life will be held at Hillcrest Church of Christ on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 11:30am. Interment will be in Texas State Veterans Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Robert Kern, Allen Ashlock, Justin Kern, Travis Kern, Micah Adams, and Bradley Kern.
The family would like to express our appreciation to Dr. Ferguson, Dr. Blackwood, Dr. Breitkreutz, Dr. Pate, Dr. Cox, and the nursing staff of Hendrick Medical Center CCU. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 149 N. Willis, Abilene, TX 79603; Hillcrest Church of Christ, 650 E. Ambler, Abilene, TX 79601; or Smithville Church of Christ, 1416 E. Whitehead, Smithville, TX 78957.
You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliott-hamil.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 6, 2011
Lydia Harrell Lyon
Dear Adams Family,
So sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless you with peace, hope and great memories as you mourn and miss Don. Love all your family photos. I recognized several from your years in Odessa. You have a wonderful family!
All the blessings of Jesus on you during this difficult time.
Blessings,
Lydia Harrell Lyon
April 14, 2011
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Linda Reynolds.
April 13, 2011
Mary Prehm
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. You will remain in my prayers. It is more than difficult to lose a parent, and I will keep you close to my heart.
April 12, 2011
So many happy memories of this good man. He made everyone and every place he touched better. He raised wonderful Christian children who are a beautiful legacy and testament to the Godly man Don was. I know we will think of him every time we see a dead skunk in the middle of the road, and we will smile. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. We love you, Bentley and RayeAnne
April 12, 2011
James Whitehead
May you find peace and comfort in our Lord and Savior during your time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
April 12, 2011
Willard Wood
Mrs. Adams, I am so sorry for you and your family, Don was a true inspiration in my youth, even when we would be with some raucous rr men, even around Milton, Don always showed me what a God fearing man he was, and as I should be. God Bless, Don, you will be remembered. WOW
April 12, 2011
Gayla McClendon
To me Don was always this strong, silent, gentle man. One of my first memories of Don was when I was about 8 years old. We were at one of the Groves family reunions. Don and Duane did a "mini" concert for the family and boy were they good! I was so excited because I just knew we had famous singers in our family! :) But to this day I am still singing, "There's a dead skunk in the middle of the road stinkin' to high high heaven!" One of my last memories and my most precious memory of Don was about 2 years ago. I was having alot of unresolved problems with my health and I really needed some direction and guidance on what I needed to do. Don spent over an hour talking to me on the phone about everything and what steps I might want to take next. Even with everything he was going through he found time to give me the hope and strength that I needed. I will always cherish our "little chat!" He was such a wonderful man and I will miss his quiet gentle soul!!!
April 12, 2011
Jean Medford
We want you to know that we have some very fond memories of Don while he was here at 6th & Jackson. He was a special man and we feel fortunate to have known him and his family. Our prayers are with the entire family and we pray God will give you strength as you go through this difficult time. Ronnie & Jean Medford
April 12, 2011
Beth Savage
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. May God bless you all. Take care coming home. Mike, Beth, and Katie Savage
April 12, 2011
Bob & Jane
Words cannot do justice to the memories of Don and his service since we have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family of this fine Christian gentleman.
April 12, 2011
Mary, Allen, and the rest of the Adams family, may you, in this sad time, find strength and hope through Christ. Kelly McEntire
April 12, 2011
Allen and Jackie Cason
We appreciate the fine Christian example and leadership you family has been to our family and to the family at Sixth and Jackson
April 12, 2011
Delana Wilkerson
I just wanted to let you know that your family is in my prayers. I have wonderful memories of your time at 6th & Jackson. I pray that God will give you strength as you go through this difficult time. Delana (Gelnar) Wilkerson
April 12, 2011
Gelene McFadden
Don was a blessing to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
April 12, 2011
Mary and Allen, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time. Judy Varner
April 12, 2011
Holly Thompson
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 12, 2011
Rickey/Debbie Moon
Mary and family we are so sorry for your loss. We know you have comfort in the fact that you know that he is in a better place and not having to deal with his health issues any longer. You continue to be in our thougts and prayers. Rickey and Debbie Moon
April 12, 2011
Debbie Barner
Connie and Family -
I am so sad to learn of Don's passing. I feel fortunate to have met him and wish that we would have had more time to get to know one another. I hope that you will let me know if there is anything that I can do for you during this time. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
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