Joseph Adams

(From Parker Mortuary)

Joseph Benton Adams, age 78, of Bernice, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Joseph was born August 8, 1943 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to the late union of Edgar and Alice (Cardwell) Adams.

Joseph attended Oklahoma State University and received his associates degree. He joined the United States Marines in September of 1962 and earned the Rifle Expert Badge. 

Once he was out of the service, he worked as an aircraft mechanic for American Airlines for a number of years. He enjoyed driving for Afton schools as a bus driver. He loved to invent things, especially his tree stand that was used as a ladder/deer hauler, which he was awarded a U.S. Patent. He created his own smoke screen and would host an at-home haunted house in his front yard for all the neighborhood kids. He was a Cherokee Nation Artisan. On his creations, he was known as “Red Buffalo”. He created all different kinds of Native American crafts, including arrow heads, bow and arrows, leather work, etc. Joseph loved being outdoors and in his free time you could find him fishing and hunting. He enjoyed going to flea markets and finding the rare unique items. He was an amateur black smith and owned forges and anvils.

Joseph is lovingly survived by his two children, Jan Hopkins and Scott Adams; four grandchildren, Payton Hopkins, Katie Hopkins, Emily Hopkins, and Ryland Hopkins-Bean.

Cremation arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.