Talmadge L. Adams

T.L. worked in purchasing for Diamond Alkali (now Diamond Shamrock) for 20 years and had a career in Residential Design as Adams Designers Inc. for 23 years. He was a member of Texas Institute of Building Designers, Pasadena South Rotary, and Kiwanis Club of Pasadena. He had a passion for Habitat for Humanity and was co-founder of Pasadena Habitat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Lucille Adams, his brother Judson Sam Adams, sister Billye Marie Simmons, and wife Gladys Yvonne Adams.

T. L. graduated from Galena Park High School in 1947 and married the love of his life, Yvonne Pattillo, on April 19, 1947. For 20 years while he was working at Diamond Alkali, he simultaneously drew house plans on the side. To work full-time in building design, he incorporated Adams Designers, Inc. in 1975. He served as President of the Texas Institute of Building Designers, 1984-1985, and was a Rotarian with 27 years of perfect attendance, and a Kiwanis Club member. He served as President of Pasadena South Rotary 1982-1983. In 1994, he helped establish Pasadena Habitat for Humanity and served as Building Chairman and Construction Supervisor. He completed 39 homes in the Pasadena area. Several years ago, he was named “National Habitat Volunteer of the Year” but refused the award saying he was “just part of the team.” He also served on the building and Standards Commission in Pasadena. Mayor Jeff Wagner of Pasadena honored him by declaring January 21, 2020 “T. L. Adams Day”, and he was named “Volunteer of the Year 2020” by the Kiwanis Club of Pasadena.

He is survived by Cynthia Ellen Klossner, daughter, and her husband Gerald H. Klossner, Talmadge Lamar Adams, Jr., son, and his wife Mary Settle Adams, and Caryl LeWan Longtin, daughter, and her husband Douglas J. Longtin, 5 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his honor to either the Pasadena Habitat for Humanity at www.-pasadenahabitat.org, (by text 8006017398 using the keyword Adams) or First Baptist Church of Pasadena, TX, 7500 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77505, fbp.org.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 28 from 5:30PM-8:30PM at Forest Park East Funeral Home. A celebration of T.L.’s life will be held Saturday, May 29 at 10:00AM. Immediately following he will be laid to rest at Forest Park East Cemetery.