Russell Steven Adams

Angels don't just live in Heaven - very often they are born right here on Earth to bless human beings. One such angel was born as a baby boy on May 13 of 1958 to parents (Dwight) Claude and Ruby (Tutor) Adams. They named their angelic son Russell Steven Adams but always known as "Rusty". Claude and Ruby were chosen by God to care for His angel, along with older sisters Karen and Brenda. They took their task seriously with a firm Faith in God for this special child who had been given to them. Rusty's entry into this World was anything but peaceful as his little body was twisted and his mind was medically challenged and broken from birth. Ah, but his angelic spirit remained intact and it was this spirit that made him beloved by all who came in contact with Rusty. His spirit would forever remain a child though his body grew into a man - his official diagnosis was cerebral palsy with co-existing conditions. In spite of being confined to a wheelchair his entire life and never being able to converse, he found ways to communicate his joy, love of music, sense of humor and even outright orneriness to those special people over the years who were his caretakers. Along with his family, caretakers included staff in Marshall and Nevada, Missouri and most recently The Villa in Sweet Springs, Missouri for the past 20+ years. The Villa was where at 2:55pm on Thursday, January 19th, 2017, Rusty was allowed to leave his tired physical body behind to run down the streets of Heaven into his earthly father's waiting arms. What a joyous father-son reunion that must have been! The other angels no doubt greeted him with shouts of "Hosanna!" as Rusty jumped and shouted praise to his Lord. The singing probably quieted a bit when Jesus scooped up Rusty into His arms and held him close in a welcoming embrace. Both Rusty and Jesus alone knew that they had never been parted over those 58 years that Rusty lived on Earth - Jesus was always right beside him, whispering words of comfort during the pain and frustration with a body that just did not look or work like others. We who are left behind here on Earth may miss Rusty in our hearts but he will be as near as a precious memory and a prayer. His high-pitched whistle and that ever-present twinkle in his eye will forever bring a smile. Run fast, jump high, laugh loudly and play hard, Rusty - until we meet again. Mother: Ruby Adams of Baldwin City, Kansas Sister: Karen (Adams) Reynolds (husband Rick) of Baldwin City, Kansas Sister: Brenda Adams of Omaha, Nebraska Nephews: Matt Gullickson (wife Kristina) and Nick Gateley Nieces: Sarah Krehnke (husband Jay) and Kelly Evans (husband Roman) Great nephews and nieces: Caleb, Tanner, Adisynn, Kiyah, Karter and Rilyn A Poem that Dwight C. Adams selected for his son several years ago: HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD A meeting was held quite far from Earth. “It's time again for another Birth.” Said the Angels to the LORD above, “This Special Child will need much love.” “His progress may be very slow, Accomplishments he may not show. And he'll require extra care From the folks he meets away down there. “He may not run or laugh or play, His thoughts may seem quite far away. In many ways he won't adapt, And he'll be known as ‘handicapped.’ “So be careful where he's sent, We want his life to be content. Please, LORD, find the parents who, Will do a special job for you. “They will not realize right away The leading role they're asked to play. But with this Child sent from above Comes stronger faith and richer love. “And soon they'll know the Privilege given In caring for their Gift from Heaven. Their Precious Charge, so meek and mild, Is Heaven’s VERY SPECIAL CHILD.” -Author Unknown