Edwin "Ed" Adams Sr.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts on March 4, 1950, Ed was the son of the late John and Muriel (Peterson) Adams. One of five children, Ed and his siblings grew up in Granite City, Illinois. When it came time for Ed to attend high school, he walked in one door and right out the other—he was much better suited for an education through the school of hard knocks.

Ed found his way to the river, starting out as a deckhand and eventually working his way up to Riverboat Captain, piloting along the Mississippi River from Chicago all the way south to Louisiana. It was during this time that Ed met the love of his life, Joyce Sterling. Joyce lived close to the Illinois river, and through her cousin—a friend of Ed's—the two were introduced. Smitten from the start, Ed and Joyce were wed in Granville, Illinois in 1969.

They were blessed with three sons: Edwin Jr., Donald, and Robert. Ed was a devoted father who always looked out for his boys. He was strict but fair, raising his sons with the same strong work ethic he carried throughout his own life. He took them hunting and fishing, and together they built and raced stock cars—proudly repping #69 for the year Jr. was born, a number you could still read even if the car ended up upside down. Ed was known for being a little wild, and most everyone agreed he was just a bit nuts.

In 1980, the family relocated to Gillette, Wyoming. Seeing as there were no inland waterways in Wyoming, Ed made due and went to work in oil and gas. He tried to retire a few times, but it never quite stuck—he was not an idle man. Alongside Joyce, he owned and operated a pilot car service for more than 30 years, guiding oversized loads down the road, and was also an auctioneer for many years. He finally slowed down for good in 2024.

When he wasn't working, Ed enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, especially singing karaoke. Known affectionately among friends as "Ed Willie," he could hold a tune just like Willie Nelson and loved closing out each song-filled night with "Always On My Mind," which he lovingly sang to Joyce. Ed was also an avid coin collector who spent countless hours researching his collection. He was an active member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the Eagles Lodge.

More than anything else, Ed loved his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father to the men his boys became, and a doting grandfather who cherished every moment with his grandkids. He will be dearly missed.

Ed leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Joyce Adams; their sons Ed Adams Jr. (Shelia), and Don Adams; grandkids Tyler Adams (Bree), Justin Adams (fiancée Holly Matovich), Shae-Lynn Adams (fiancé Bryan Salisbury), Robert Adams (girlfriend Delayna Jundt), Alyssa Adams (fiancé Nash Jensen), and Logan Adams (girlfriend Kaytlin Jackson); and great-grandkids Bella and Noah. He is further survived by his brother Harry Adams and his sister Beverley Jacobson.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Eugene "Baby Bobby" Adams, who died in infancy in 1975; his parents; and his brothers, John Adams Jr. and Joseph Healey.

A Celebration of Ed's Life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 1pm-5pm at the American Legion, 200 Rockpile Blvd, Gillette, WY 82716.

Memories of Ed and words of condolence for his family are welcome at allnuttftcollins.com.