October 3, 1937 – March 30, 2025
Ira O Adams, 87, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, March 30, following a brief illness. Ira was born October 3, 1937 in Mills County, Texas to Emory Adams and Beulah Newton Adams. He attended school in Star and played football, baseball and basketball, where he was named to the Texas All State Basketball Team. He was also an active member and participant in the FFA and earned a Lone Star Farmer Degree. He graduated Star High School in 1956 and then attended Tarleton State College where he met Lauretta Bunn, the love of his life. They moved to Lubbock where he worked his way through college and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University in 1962. After graduating Texas Tech, he went to work for Hughes Tool Company and they moved to Odessa, TX. In 1965 he began his career with Texas Electric Service Company in Midland. His career with Texas Electric spanned over 33 years, during which time they transferred to Andrews, TX in 1982.
Ira volunteered and coached youth YMCA Football and Little League Baseball for many years during the 1970’s while in Midland. He was a Deacon at Golf Course Road Church of Christ. While living in Andrews, he continued in his civic minded pursuits. He was a member of the Lions Club, President of the Andrews County Chamber of Commerce, President of the Andrews County Country Club, President of the United Way, was a Gold Coat Ambassador for Andrews County Chamber of Commerce and he also served on the Permian Basin Girl Scout Council Board of Directors. In 1991, Ira was named Citizen of the Year in recognition of his dedication and outstanding Community Service and Civic Service for Andrews County. With a booming voice and laugh, standing at 6 foot 3 inches tall, Ira’s easy smile and friendly demeanor was hard to miss in any crowd.
Ira retired in late 1997 from TU Electric. In 2000, he and Lauretta moved to Hamilton, TX to enjoy their retirement years on their farm, raising sheep and cattle. His passion for tinkering and repairing things never wavered and it was rare that he couldn’t restore or repair whatever caught his interest.
Ira, also known as ‘Pappaw’, especially loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by Lauretta, his wife and companion of 65 years, his daughter Felecia Adams Rankin of Hamilton, son Blake Adams and wife Vicki of Stephenville and grandchildren: Bryce Adams and wife Drew of Dallas, Amelia Rankin of Arlington, Justin Morgan and wife Kelsie of Dallas, Kasey Leavell and husband Mac of Abilene, as well as great-grandchildren: Witten, Grady and Knox Leavell and Braxton and Palmer Morgan.
