Kingsley Barry Adams

Kingsley Barry Adams left his earthly life and went to be with our Lord on November 14th, 2022 and we imagine they had a lot to talk about! The youngest of four children born to Mary Lesta Fickess and Edward Harney Adams, he tapped danced his way into the world on March 7th, 1941. He was as unique as his name, blessed with good looks, charm, and incredible talent. He learned at an early age that family and friends were the most important things in life. In his early years, he took tap lessons from Gene Stockwell and nurtured his dancing skills to the highest level. It’s no surprise he was voted the most popular boy in the entire Emerson Elementary 6th grade class! His popularity continued through his school days at Central High where he actually had an unofficial fan club. He was an incredible athlete who excelled in football and track for the Cardinals. Out of high school, he went on to play semi-pro football with the Falcons and Plainsmen. Although he had no formal college education, he wore many hats and was constantly re-inventing himself. He worked as an oil and gas man for the Kerr-McGee Corp., in Galveston, Texas for American National Insurance Co., the State of Oklahoma as a deputy auditor and inspector, then he landed a great gig at Southwestern Bell, (later AT&T) where he trained as an account executive. He was awarded top salesman many times due to his exceptional negotiation skills. His true passion was the theater. Everywhere he lived he became involved in the local theater community, acting, writing, dancing, and singing his way into the hearts of everyone. He loved people. Strangers quickly became friends and friends became extended family that he cherished all his life. He was spontaneous and loved to host dinner parties. Cooking great meals for his friends and family brought him endless joy. If he was in your corner you could conquer any obstacles that came your way. He made it his mission to step up and help when someone was in need because after all, it was the right thing to do. He was a self-taught scholar and a student of the world. He loved history and was a master of all things trivia. He was passionate about football and his OU Sooners. When he found out he only had a few days left he insisted on going home from the hospital so he could have one last family gathering to watch the OU - West Virginia game. In his last few hours, we sat vigil by firelight at his side as the snow fell. At the close of his final earthly chapter, he turned and took one last bow before setting off on his next great quest.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Ed Adams, his brothers Tom, Don (who died at birth), and David “Buster” (Billie) Adams, his sister Dianne (Frank Stanaszek), and his beautiful daughter Tandy, whom he sorely missed and longed to see again. We can only imagine their glorious reunion! He leaves behind his beloved wife Sherri, his cherished children, Laurie Wantland (Roger), Bari Adams (Tammie), Kingsley Adams Jr. (Sheilah), and son-in-law Keith Thomas, his adored step-children, Laura Kelley (Chad), Michelle DeArment (Derek), and Taylor Kennedy. His grandchildren, Corbin, Greyson, Lauren (Zac), Kelby, and Kenna, his step-grandchildren Colton (Riley), and Chelsey (Justin), Hannah, Jude, Ruby, Jonah, Aiden, Emilie, Madeline, Violet, a host of nieces and nephews, and his sister-in-law, Dena Bagwell, all of whom provided comfort to him during his last days. A special thank you to his nieces Valerie, DeAnna and Janie for the wonderful nursing care they provided during his final days and also to Sam Kahre (grand-nephew), Kyle Dillingham, and Peter Markes, we thank you for sharing your beautiful music with my father, providing much consolation and joy to us all.

Celebration of Life Service, Saturday, December 3, 2022, 3:30 p.m., Putnam City Christian Church, 4215 N Grove, Warr Acres, OK 73122

Evening Reception following service. Details forthcoming.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.billmerrittfuneralservice.com for the Adams family.