Ricky Adams

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Ricky Lee Adams, age 55, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at his home.

Ricky was born on October 17, 1960 in Elgin, Illinois, to the union of Joseph Thomas Adams, Jr. and Pattsy Ellen (Handy) Adams. In 1972, Ricky moved to Arizona with his family and he attended Mesa High School in Mesa, Arizona. At the age of 18, he entered the U.S. Army. He also served in the Arizona National Guard and he served five years collectively. He lived in various states while working, including Louisiana where he worked offshore as an oil filter technician. In 2003, he moved to Joplin, Missouri and he resided here until his passing. On May 6, 2004, Ricky was united in Marriage to Christine Johnson and they were married almost ten years before her passing on April 3, 2014.

Ricky was also preceded in death by his father, Joseph; two sisters, Joellen L. Mosley and Novella Adams; and one step-daughter, Stephanie Johnson.

Survivors include his only child, Heather Adams, of Mesa, Arizona; his mother, Pattsy Adams, of Joplin; a nephew, Lewis Mosley, of Joplin; a niece, Jamie Hughes, of the state of Tennessee; two step-children, Lawrence Johnson of Joplin and Joseph Johnson of the state of Oklahoma; four grandchildren and ten step-grandchildren.

The family will hold a memorial graveside service with Military Honors at Stone Cemetery at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.