Corky Adams

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Elvin Erwin “Corky” Adams, 85, passed away July 11, 2026, surrounded by his family in Carthage, Missouri. Corky was born on October 23, 1940, at the family farm in Jasper County, Missouri, near Carthage, to Erwin and Ruth (Fansler) Adams. 

Corky graduated from Carthage High School in the Class of 1959. He attended Missouri Southern State College. Corky went to work at Leggett and Platt in 1958 and retired as a project engineer in 2001. He designed and built the Continuous Coiler Machine that made the continuous bedspring and held many other patents. He and his brother, Dean, enjoyed cattle ranching on the Adams Family Farm near Carthage. 

Corky was a professional Pedal Steel Guitar player and played at the Kountry Kuzins Jamboree for years. He also played with Sarah and the Frosty Mountain Boys, The Duke Mason Band at Precious Moments in Carthage, and at the local Hootenanny in the ATA Hall. Corky was an expert “napper” and enjoyed coyote hunting. He attended Countryside Church in Jasper, Missouri. 

Corky was united in marriage to Patty York on April 29, 1961, in Carthage; she preceded him on February 11, 2023. 

Corky is survived by two sons, Rick Adams (Karla) and Mark Adams (Bobbie), both of Carthage, Missouri; daughter, Kelly Holliday (Bruce) of Jasper, Missouri; grandchildren, Katie Bronson (Jason), Ben Holliday (Kristin), Kristy Smith (Will), Nathan Adams, Joe Adams (Kendra), Seth Adams, Kaleb Adams, and Breanna Knoeber; great grandchildren, Austin (Hannah), Levi (Mylee), Wyatt, Macy, Kaylin, Joshua, Matthew, Kopelynn, Beau, Zane, Remy, Haddie, Khloe, Kaiden, Atticus; brother, Dean Adams (Roberta); and very special fur friend, Cricket. 

Corky is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patty; his parents, Erwin and Ruth; grandson, Jacob Holliday; and great grandchildren, Glory, and Blue Rose. 

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Park Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home, Carthage, Missouri. 

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.