Bill Adams, beloved father, papa and friend passed away, September 21, 2021 at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his beloved Annabeth, his sister, and two of his “bonus” daughters, Guyanne and Gayle.
He is survived by his daughters Deb (Greg) Kreie, Denise (Miles) Dickens, Shelly Owen and his bonus children Gary Kinney, Greg (Lori) Kinney, Carmel (John) Kuckelman, Kelly Kinney, Brett (Cathy) Kinney, Patty (Tony) Lewis, Ken Harrington, Steve (Cassandra) Harrington and his brother Dean Adams. He was Grandpa or Papa Bill to many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren!
Dad was born October 20, 1930 and raised in Olathe, Kansas by Edith and William Adams. His nurturing quality started when at the age of 13 his father died leaving him the responsibility of being the man of the house. Dad continued to persevere when in
1946 he contracted polio. His many polio treatments included having to hitchhike from Olathe to KU Med Center at the age of 16. Because of his determination, the only lasting effect was a limitation to his left hand. But he was able to claim the ping-pong
champion in high school; which he was very proud of.
Dad was always a hard worker. He owned and operated the Olathe Cleaners in the 1950’s. After selling the business, he worked as a traveling salesman for Farmer’s Stockman/Kansas Farmer magazine until he retired. He never met a stranger; which is why he was great at his job. He was known as the “cookie man” to the residents of the Johnson County Nursing Home. He was also a self proclaimed “Old Settler” who enjoyed judging the kids games for many years at annual Old Settlers in downtown Olathe.
Dad’s passion was spending as much time as he could with his family and friends. He also loved to eat making sure that included getting his “fruit and fiber”. However, a must have for him was fried chicken and chocolate cake. Having lived through the Depression, he was grateful for any and all food. He always lived by his motto, “food is food”.
At the age of 85 he suffered a stroke leaving him with aphasia. Although he was very fortunate to survive the coronavirus, the added effects from his dementia became too much. He could persevere no longer. No one would dispute dad’s love and devotion to his family and friends as he always put others first. Rest in Peace Dad, Daddio, Daddy Bill, Grandpa, Papa Bill.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 30, 2021 at the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home 105 East Loula Street Olathe, Kansas. Interment in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery 158 South Hwy, US-169 Olathe, Kansas. Visitation 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ascend Hospice of Overland Park, KS and Aberdeen Village-Good Samaritan Fund.
Condolences may be offered at: www.McGilley-Frye.com
