Don J. Adams

Don J. Adams was called home to his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 28, 2024, with his family by his side, after a courageous 15-month battle with Mesothelioma. While we are heartbroken, we are finding comfort in knowing that Dad is in Heaven, reunited with Mom, and surely cheering on his beloved Jayhawks from above. Don was a man of faith and family with a heart as vast as the geological formations he studied. His kind spirit, gentle demeanor, and unwavering optimism, rooted in his deep love for Jesus, touched the lives of all who knew him. But more than that, Don was an investor in people. He saw the potential in everyone he met and genuinely sought to help them become better versions of themselves.

Don invested deeply in the lives of his loved ones. He was a loving husband for 51 years before his wife Kathy passed away in 2014. He was a supportive Dad, an incredible Papa, and a constant source of love and encouragement. Don battled cancer as he lived his life — with his steady faith, a quiet determination, and a joyful heart, always reminding us, "With God, all things are possible." He faced every challenge with grace and a positive attitude, inspiring those around him to do the same.

Don was born on September 7, 1935, in Lyons, Kansas to Arthur L. Adams and Irene R. Adams. He grew up in a farming community in central Kansas where he developed his love for the land, hunting, and fishing at his beloved Lake Kanopolis. In his youth, he played both baseball and football, was a Boys State representative for Kiwanis International, and a member of Boy Scouts Jamboree. Even then, his leadership qualities and genuine interest in others shone through.

Following graduation from Lyons High School, Don attended the University of Kansas, where he was a geology major and a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. A left-handed pitcher for the KU baseball team, he proudly cheered "Rock Chalk!" throughout his life. He often reminisced about his college days, making lifelong connections. Don received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in geology from KU.

Before beginning his Fellowship in Geology in 1959, Don was drafted into the Army for their Critical Skills program, where he served at Fort Leonard Wood and received an honor as an expert marksman in the M-1 rifle. This experience further fueled his sense of adventure and service. In 1961 while Don was living in Amarillo, he had the incredible experience of hosting a social for Duke Ellington at his apartment. Don was stunned that several people declined to spend time with one of the greatest musicians based on race. Don truly had a unique ability to connect with people, to find common ground and build relationships, whereby leaving a positive impact on everyone he met.

"The Earth holds endless wonders," Don would say, and his love of geology and career in the oil and gas business took him on great adventures, with his favorite being Alaska. His Alaskan adventures were treasured memories — living in tents and Quonset huts while hiking and helicoptering to sites in the unspoiled wilderness. He often spoke of the awe-inspiring beauty of the Alaskan landscape and the camaraderie he found with his fellow geologists. Don worked for independent geologists, as well as, for major oil and gas companies during his career, including Phillips 66, Monsanto, Edwin L Cox, Tuthill and Barbee, USPCI, and Cameron Cole. He was known as a mentor and friend to his colleagues, always willing to lend a hand and offer guidance.

Don met his wife Kathy on his first weekend in Denver through mutual friends. Their first date was on July 4th in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and they married on November 16, 1963. Together they raised two daughters, Amy and Stephanie, and celebrated 51 years of a Christ-centered marriage. They were a team, dedicated to building a loving and supportive family.

During their 26 years in Oklahoma City, Don was an active member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, serving on the board, various committees, member of TNT Class, and involved with the youth ministry. He had a passion for helping young people find their way and was a positive influence on many. He also served on the Board of Scope Ministries and was honored to have been asked to be the Chairman of the Laymen’s Group for the Billy Graham Crusade in 1983, where he coordinated speakers such as Clendon Thomas and Tom Landry, organized greater Oklahoma City into 4 regions, recruited directors for each area, and spent 2 wonderful years planning the event. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he often shared his faith with anyone he met. He was also involved with Campus Crusade and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and he continued his commitment to service with Kiwanis International. No matter the commitment, he always made time for his daughters' activities, believing that being present is the greatest gift you can give.

His final job transfer was to Houston in 1989. He and Kathy filled their time with social activities, their church Klein United Methodist, and playing tennis. After retirement, Don volunteered with Operation Interdependence, the Alzheimer's Association, Between Jobs Ministries, and as an election poll worker. He believed in giving back to his community and lived a life of service.

After Kathy passed in 2014, Don relocated to Fort Worth to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy. He was a constant figure in the lives of his grandchildren, attending their many activities and sporting events, showing up and becoming a role model to emulate. He poured his love and wisdom into his grandchildren, nurturing their dreams and celebrating their achievements. In Fort Worth, Don made friends through Arborlawn United Methodist Church, where he was a member of both the Chancel and Silver Singers choirs and Faith Bible Sunday School class, a member of a wonderful Kiwanis group, RECA Bible Study, and volunteered mentoring fourth graders with Academy 4. He continued to invest in others, leaving a legacy of kindness and support.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife Kathy; his parents Irene Adams and Arthur Adams; his sister Lynne Adams Bussell; his brother-in-law Larry Sieckmann; and his cherished dogs Abbie and Reggie.

Those left to treasure his memory are his daughters Amy Adams Chairez; Stephanie Adams Davis and her husband Jon; his grandchildren Ellie and Ben Chairez; and Emma and Hannah Davis; his sisters-in-law Gwen Sieckmann, Sharon Bauerkemper and her husband Ron; as well as his nieces and nephews Edie Williams and her husband Kevin; Dirk Sieckmann; Susan Sieckmann Scanlan and her husband Greg; Dana Bussell Spradling; Clay Bussell; Kyle Bussell; his lifelong friend Phil Wright; and a host of other family and friends, all of whom are better people for having known him.

The family would like to thank his doctors and care team, including Dr. Jeremy Ross, Sarah Morrow, Dr. Greg Hanson, and his devoted caregiver Rudo Kaseke with Grace Care.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on December 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Arborlawn United Methodist Church, located at 5001 Briarhaven Road, Ft Worth, Texas. It will also be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/share/1WWWJLHHJX/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Arborlawn UMC, to support either the music ministry or Academy 4 ministry that he enjoyed so much.

Well done, good and faithful servant!