Sam Adams

(From Parker Mortuary)

Mr. Robert Roy “Sam” Adams, 85, of Joplin, Missouri, departed this life on Monday morning, February 7, 2022, at St. Luke’s Nursing Center in Carthage, Missouri.

Sam entered this life on August 19, 1936, in DeQueen, Arkansas, the only child born to the late Robert and Ora (Stubbs) Adams. He was raised in DeQueen and was a graduate of DeQueen High School. He furthered his education at Southern State College, Texarkana College, Southeast Oklahoma College and Adams State College where he received his masters degree. 

 While at Adams State in Colorado, he met Rita Jean Romero and on May 28, 1966, they were married. Sam loved football, he signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears and was an exhibition season kicker for the Boston Patriots. 

After teaching and coaching for 4 years in LaJara, Colorado, Sam and Rita moved to Joplin, Missouri. Sam taught and coached football in the public schools of Joplin and Webb City for twenty-five years. 

Following his public-school career, Sam joined Pittsburg State University as Assistant Football Coach for several years. He also hosted the Sam Adams Kicking and Punting Camp in Webb City and East Northport, New York. Many of the kickers he coached went All American or Pro. Besides football, Sam enjoyed hunting, fishing, raising bird dogs and was a talented artist. Sam was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Webb City.

Sam is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Rita Adams of the home; and two daughters, Julie Adams of Joplin and Lisa Adams of New York City, New York.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Webb City, Missouri with Father Francisco “Paco” Gordillo officiating. Burial will follow at Carterville Cemetery. 

Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Jacob Warren, Ben Warren, Christopher Windom, Kenny Steele, Shaun Steele, Ray Romero and Jeff Romero. 

The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary with a Prayer Service and Rosary at 6:00 p.m. For those not wishing to purchase flowers, memorials are being directed to the Webb City Athletic Program c/o the mortuary. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.