Paul Adams

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Joseph Paul Adams 94, of Baxter Springs, KS passed from this life on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at Wildwood Nursing Home, Joplin, MO.

Paul was born May 1, 1926 in Baxter Springs, KS to the union of Joseph Jesse and Elsie Jane (Fry) Adams. Paul attended Baxter Springs Schools and then entered the United States Navy in 1943. Paul served in the Pacific aboard the USS General W.A. Mann as a MM Mate. The USS General W.A. Mann was a transport ship and they delivered troops and supplies to Manila, Philippines, Okinawa, and Nagasaki Japan after they dropped the bomb. Paul was discharged from the Seattle Naval Hospital in June 1946.

He was united in marriage to Clarice Jean (Bingham) Adams on September 22, 1946 in Baxter Springs, KS.

Paul worked for Eagle Picher at the Cardin Power Plant and diesel shop until 1955. At that time, he went to work for Yellow Freight Systems in Baxter Springs. He worked in the mechanic and parts department for 33 years and retired in 1988.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents; wife Clarice Adams; brothers, Arthur Adams, Ivan Adams, Luther Adams, and Elmer Adams; sisters, Marie Boyd, Edith Bingham, Margaret Beets, Thelma Townsend; son-in-law, Fred Shouse.

Paul is survived by one son, Jon Adams and wife Vicki of Loma Linda, MO; daughter, Paula Jean Shouse of Bentonville, AR; ½ brother, Jimmy Dale Adams of Tuscaloosa, AL; sister, Janice Lacke of Tucson, AZ; five grandchildren, Kerry Bilke (Sandi) of Joplin, MO, Kurt Bilke (Diane) of Roundrock, TX, Kristen Shouse (Roger) of San Rafael, CA, Shane Adams (Natalie) of Joplin, MO, and Tara Wright of Baxter Springs, KS; eight great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at the First Assembly of God Church, Baxter Springs, KS. In respect to COVID-19 all social distancing guidelines will be enforced. Pastor Howard Boyd will officiate the services. Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post# 206 in care of the funeral home. Paul’s cremains will be privately buried at Lowell Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.