Rick Adams

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Richard James Adams age 73 passed away at Freeman Hospital Saturday evening of a short illness. He was born on August 15,1947 to James (Jim) Adams and Helen (Archer) Adams, in commerce, OK. He had lived in the Commerce/Joplin area during his lifetime and graduated from Commerce High School in 1965.

Rick was a talented athlete and participated in all types of sports from childhood through high school at Commerce High School. Also, he played football at NEO A&M College for two years. Rick and his brother Paul, participated in Golden Gloves amateur boxing and both were victorious in several bouts.

Rick was drafted into the Army in 1967 and was sent to Viet Nam where he earned two Purple Hearts. In 1969 Rick first married Deborah Bale. Their children are Michael R Adams of Miami, OK and Jared B Adams of Oklahoma City, OK. They divorced in 1985. In 1995 he married Janice (Vowels) Adams in the Community of Christ Church in Fairland, OK. Janice had two children H. Scott Vowels, Oklahoma City, OK and Leah Vowels Hoffman, Carl Junction, MO which were lovingly welcomed in to this blended family.

Rick has pastored the Community of Christ Church, Miami, OK for several years. He was employed by the City of Miami, OK, where he retired in 2009. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bob Adams of Miami.

He is survived by his wife, Janice of the home; children as mentioned, Michael Adams, Jared Adams and spouse Jason Summers, H. Scott Vowels, Leah Hoffman and husband Brian Hoffman. Brother Paul Adams, Wyandotte, OK, and sister Shirley Kropp, Miami, OK. Four grandchildren, Jack and Nate Adams, Norman, OK and Lauren and Jake Taylor of Carl Junction, MO.

Visitation and viewing will be Tuesday May 25, 2021, from 5-7 p.m. at the Paul Thomas Funeral Home in Miami, OK. After which he will be cremated and interred at Hornet Cemetery in Hornet MO. There will be a memorial service 10:00 a.m. Thursday May 27, 2021 at Paul Thomas Funeral Home Miami, OK.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Outreach International, care of Community of Christ Church Miami, OK.