Richard E. Adams

Richard E. ‘Dick’ Adams, 90, of Stevensville, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Royalton Manor, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30A.M. on Wednesday December, 31, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church, 3003 Leco Ct. St. Joseph, MI with Pastor Wade Panse officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 30, at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma. Memorial donations may be made out to the First United Methodist Church, St. Joseph. Friends wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Richard was born on March 17, 1918 to Edward and Ethel (Payton) Adams in Kalamazoo, MI. After high school, Richard worked at Remington Rand and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to serve his country in World War II. Richard was a chief mechanic on B-24 bombers in the 93rd Bomb Group. After his discharge, Richard was employed at Pitney Bowes and retired in 1983 after 31 years of service. He married Betty (Dorstewitz) on June 21, 1945 in Benton Harbor. Together, they raised a daughter, Karen and son, David. Richard was a member at First United Methodist Church in St. Joseph. He loved wood working as a hobby and traveling with his family and friends. Richard is survived by his wife, Betty; his daughter, Karen Sue (James) King of Whitestown, IN; and four grandchildren-Matthew King, Rebecca (John) Cronin, Jason (Alison) King and Nathan King; six great grandchildren-Justine King, Jared King, Cassandra Cronin, Nichole Cronin, Laurie King and Elizabeth King; and a sister-in-law, Mildred ‘Jackie’ Adams of St. Joseph and many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by a son, David Adams in 1969; a brother, Kenneth Adams and a sister; Fay Smith; and his parents.