Verne Alton Adams

Verne Alton Adams was born to Alton and Maisie Adams October 17, 1930 and passed away November 18th peacefully with family by his side. Verne was a humble servant to church, community, and friends. He was an old dairy farmer at heart and loved talking cows.

Verne grew up in Bedford, Massachusetts and attended Lexington High School. He spent time at Cushing Academy where he played hockey and then went on to University of Massachusetts. He lettered in football while playing for the Minutemen. While attending UMass, Verne entered the ROTC program and after graduating was a tank squadron commander in the US Army stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Upon returning from the Army, Verne finished his studies at the University of Connecticut receiving a Master’s Degree in Animal Husbandry.

After College, Verne moved to Brattleboro, Vermont in 1956 to manage the family dairy while teaching agriculture at the local high school. This is where he met Pauline Rivers and they were married in 1958. Soon after Verne sold the family farm and started his long career in dairy genetics. Verne moved around between Massachusetts and Pennsylvania spending many long hours on the road breeding cows, all the while raising a family. In 1975 he had the opportunity to move the family west from Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania to Hanford, California to work for Bill Clark and World Wide Sires as the Marketing Director of Sales. He absolutely loved his job and was able to see many parts of the world in his business travels.

Verne was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Hanford for over 40 years. He was also very involved with the Lions Club in Hanford. Verne was truly part of the greatest generation as he served his community in many ways. One of his favorite things to do was hunt white tail deer with his brother John and cousin Bill Betterley. He also enjoyed fishing and going anywhere in the Sierra Nevadas. He always had a big smile on his face when he was around his grandchildren John, Brian, Trent, Reid, Jamie, and Alycia. Verne was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and would always find time to catch a game when they were in California. He was lucky enough to see them win another World Series in October.

Verne is survived by his wife of 60 years Pauline Adams and his three sons, Brian (Teresa) Adams of Bakersfield, Bill (Chris) Adams of Visalia, and Jeff (Kris) Adams from Tustin, along with six grandchildren and his brother John Adams from Erie, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his sister Jane Mack in 2014.

The family would like to thank the staff at Valley Christian Home, Delta Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Optimal Hospice. All of these folks treated Verne with great care, dignity and respect.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the First United Methodist Church of Hanford to honor this great man.