Joel A. Adams Obituary

On May 24, 2024, Joel A. Adams passed from this life to the next. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sally in 2022 his brothers Alby and Carl as well as parents Otto and Coletta Adams.

Joel had three children, Robert (Terry) Adams, James (Heidi) Adams and Theresa Adams. Four stepchildren Pam (Chris) Bednarek, Craig (Kate) Holmes, Keith (Tammy) Holmes and Cheryl (Jeff) Kurth. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren entered his life.

Born in December 1932 in Johnsburg Illinois to Otto and Coletta, dad was a mechanic working with the family business, Adams Repair Shop. During that time he was an original member of the Johnsburg Fire Dept as a Lieutenant and was on the Johnsburg Rescue squad as well.

After his service in the Army, earning the rank of Corporal, dad returned to the family business. He then worked as a millwright for Taft Contracting for the remainder of his life. He moved his family to Colorado for a short time 1973-1975 and then returned to Illinois to resume working with Taft where he was a welder and fabricator in their shop/warehouse facility in Chicago.

Dad married Sally Holmes and upon retirement moved to their “farm” near Bevier, Missouri. It was there they enjoyed retirement life. They were involved in dog training, raising deer, chickens, beef cows and lots of big bass in their pond. He was an excellent woodworker creating and providing many turned bowls, trivets, candle holders and mainly things people loved and cherished. He also spent time teaching welding at the local high school. Dad spent time with the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and helping others maintain the church, welding for farmers and generally enjoying the small-town life again and gaining many new friendships.

He always had an interest in and love of race cars. After driving and owning several midget racecars in the 1950-60’s he now had time to “restore” them. So, in 2003 he found a vintage midget and from then on he rebuilt, redesigned and raced the summers in a vintage class over Illinois, Iowa, Colorado, Kansas and Indiana. He even drove a few laps at the famed Brickyard in Indianapolis.

Dad worked hard to provide anything his family or friends needed. Most importantly he was patient, kind and always willing to help.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bevier, MO, with a Rosary service beginning at 10:45 am. Visitation will be 10:00 am, Saturday morning, at the church. The family suggests memorials to the St. Charles Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hutton & McElwain Funeral Home in Macon, MO.