On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Douglas Lee Adams Jr., loving husband and father of two, passed away at the age of 51, surrounded with love by his immediate family. He was held close from afar by all those lucky enough to have been touched by his compassionate and generous spirit in his lifetime.
Doug was born on May 27, 1969 to Annette Adams and Douglas Adams Sr. in Leawood, KS, the youngest of three brothers. He grew up playing hockey and many other sports, making trouble, playing the drums, and spending time with extended family. He received his undergraduate degree in English at the University of Kansas in 1991 and received his degree from KU Law in 1993. He practiced law for 27 years, the last 24 of which he spent working with his partner-in-defending-crime, Richard Ney. His passion in the courtroom and dedication to his clients were deeply admired and respected by his clients, colleagues, and family alike.
He and his wife, Judi Abeson Adams, met serendipitously as a result of an apartment fire in Lawrence, KS in July of 1991. As the building evacuated, Doug, who had been studying with a friend, approached Judi and struck up a conversation. Eventually, he asked her out on a date that evening, but she reluctantly declined, as she had already committed to a blind date. The blind date went terribly, and later that evening, Doug came knocking to see how it had gone and asked again - the rest is history. Doug and Judi eloped on November 12, 1993, kept their private marriage a secret, and wedded in front of their family and friends on June 4, 1994. They had their first child, Colin, on March 5, 1996, followed by their second, Delaney, on June 9, 1998 - his two greatest prides.
Doug was a man of impeccable character: kind, generous, loving, and thoughtful. He was wise beyond his far too few years, and was never shy to share honest and well-reasoned advice with those he cared about. He was a true comedian, a simultaneously terrible and hilarious joke-teller. He cared deeply for his family, and did everything in his power to set them up for success and support them along the way. He was an avid fan of rock music, and was partial to the Beatles and Radiohead, among many others. He loved to follow the Chiefs, the Royals, and the Jayhawks (in basketball), and any sport that his kids participated in (except running between vantage points during cross country meets). He had an exceptional way with words, and had a knack for putting seemingly inexpressible thoughts and feelings into writing. He was passionate in his political beliefs and a great listener to those with similar and differing views alike. He had a love for traveling, and was a masterful trip planner and vehicle packer.
Doug was preceded in death by his father, Doug Sr., and is survived by his wife, Judi, two children, Colin and Delaney, his half-brothers Ben and Marty, their mother Annette, and his half-siblings, Angela, Kit and Connie. A celebration of Doug’s life will take place at Buffalo Park on Monday, October 12, 2020, at 7:30 pm, with images and music being shared starting at 7. The services will be strictly adherent to social distancing guidelines - masks will be required. Please bring your own seating. Doug would want you to be dressed comfortably. If, for any reason, you are unable to attend in person, the services will also be streamed online. Please check Doug’s Caring Bridge site (https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dougadams) or Facebook page for details. Donations may be made to any of the following organizations in Doug’s memory: Union Rescue Mission, Death with Dignity, and the FRRC (Florida Rights Restoration Coalition) fines and fees program (details here).
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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