Alvin Adams

TROY, Mo. - Alvin Franklin Adams Sr., 88, formerly of Sikeston, died Dec. 28, 2002, at Lincoln County Memorial Hospital.

Born Nov. 30, 1914, in Eureka, he was the son of the late Willie F. and Sophie Ida Leder Adams.

Alvin grew up on a farm where he learned the importance of hard work and experienced the pleasures of country life. His family had moved several times, which hampered formal education, and he dropped out of school after his junior year at Normandy High school in St. Louis.

On Nov. 25, 1933, in Clayton, he married Adele Ethel Thomassen who survives of the home. They recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

Survivors in addition to his wife include: one son and daughter-in-law, Alvin "Junior" and Rosie Adams Jr. of Eolia; three daughters and sons-in-law, LaVerne and Bob Wright of Eolia, Melba and Ben Houston of Elsberry and Nadine and Paul Krieg of Troy; two sisters, Velma Quade of Silex and Viola Wilder of Maryland Heights and 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

He and his wife lived in St. Louis County for many years, where he operated a trucking business. In 1940, they purchased their first farm in Lincoln County and moved to Whiteside. This venture helped to make those early farm payments and gave area youth an opportunity to earn money. Although times were hard for this young couple, with a faith in God and in their own abilities, coupled with hard work and a sacrificial lifestyle, they survived and eventually became very successful farmers.

As a young father, Alvin served on the Whiteside School Board and took a leadership role in the reorganization of Pike County R-3 School District. He served on the Board and helped start a new bank in Troy, originally known as Citizens Bank of Troy. He also served many years on the ASC Committee and local FHA Board.

His parents had moved to Whiteside and resided in the Adams' home until their deaths. Alvin cared for them lovingly, without complaint, and always lightened the difficult times with his keen sense of humor.

With the help of their four children, Alvin and Del operated a grain and registered Polled Hereford farm until 1973, when they sold the farm and retired.

Thoroughbred horse racing and raising registered Airedale dogs were hobbies that he and his wife enjoyed in their retirement. They also gained great pleasure and satisfaction from assisting and encouraging people, particularly young couples, in financial matters and made many friends through these relationships. They benefited from the wisdom and counsel of successful mentors and they wanted to pass that wisdom on to others.

Alvin and Del always subscribed to a daily paper and were well read on current events. He always demonstrated a keen interest in government and community affairs and had a special preference for Republican candidates and office holders.

Visitation is from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the Whiteside Presbyterian Church and will continue from 9 a.m. Wednesday until service time at 10 a.m. The Rev. Jack Banton and the Rev. Jim Williams will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Auburn Presbyterian Cemetery.

Paid obituary