CALVIN ADAMS

Calvin Clayton Adams, son of Luther David and Eva Lena (Pottorff) Adams, was born at Hatfield, MO. Calvin grew up around Hatfield and he graduated from Hatfield High School in 1942. Calvin refused a military deferment because of the need on the farm to enlist in the U.S. Army. On April 17, 1943, he entered active service as a Radio Operator on B-29 bombers. He flew 25 missions over Tokyo which included dropping supplies to the prisoners of war. One particular mission was remembered and retold at his WW II reunions. On the 13th mission that Calvin participated in, 13 men boarded bomber #13 on Friday the 13th. The mission lasted 13 hours and 13 minutes! Calvin was honorably discharged on January 8, 1946 having received the following medals and commendations: Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Victory-World War II Medal, and the Air Medal.
On August 4, 1946, Calvin was united in marriage to Roena Snethen in Troy, KS. They became parents to Steven Clayton, Beverly Jean and Richard Roe. Calvin and Roena were soon to celebrate 73 years of marriage.
Calvin was a people person. He enjoyed being around people and he loved to visit. This made sales a natural for Calvin and he spent 60 years in car sales. Calvin began with Carr Chevrolet before owning and operating Adams and Johnson Auto’s for many years. Calvin and Kenny Johnson were partners and many first-time car owners purchased their car from Calvin. Calvin worked for Glendenning Motors for the last several years, retiring at age 90. Because of his career, Calvin knew everyone in Ringgold County and the surrounding area.
Calvin loved to fish, and he loved to golf. He was a golf partner and mentor to his grandchildren and many others. Calvin loved to dance and he enjoyed the Monday night dances at the American Legion. He was an active member of the legion and took a personal interest in the maintenance of the building. He would line up bands for Monday night and help with the fundraisers too. Calvin was a naturally fast talker and self-made auctioneer. He would auction off pies at the fundraisers and other activities. Calvin loved his family and loved the weekend cookouts with everyone. Calvin will always be known as a storyteller and he told jokes up to the end.
Calvin passed away on June 11, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Beverly Garris; sister, Beulah (Albert) Kimberling; brother, Melvin (Katherine) Adams; brother-in-law, Don Whited.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Roena Adams, of Mount Ayr; sons, Steve (Linda) Adams, of Perry, IA and Rick (Madeline) Adams of Osceola, IA; son-in-law, Gary Garris, of Murray, IA; grandchildren, Dana (Tim) Baker of Plattsburg, MO, Dawn (Bryan) Anderson of Lake Park, MN, Darin (Hope) Adams of Detroit Lakes, MN, Jodie Adams of Perry, IA, Robin (Dennis) Boerre of Adel, IA, Michelle (Darrell) Beem of Truro, IA, Troy (Christie) Garris of Des Moines, IA, Adam Garris of Indianola, IA, Brooke (Cody) Caldwell of Osceola, IA, and Walker (Kimberly) Adams of Osceola, IA; 16 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; sister, Bonnie Whited, of Maryville, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many good friends.
Services were at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, IA.
Officiating was Pastor Michael Maddy. The eulogy was by Darin Adams.
Musicians were Nancy Sackett, Mary Davenport and Melanie Knapp.
Special songs were “Funny Face”-C.D. by Donna Fargo, “In the Garden” sung by Mary and Melanie, “One Day at A Time” sung by Mary and Melanie,“Play Me the Waltz of the Angels”-C.D. by Owen Mac and “Drink A Beer”-C.D. by Luke Bryan.
Active casket bearers were Darin Adams, Walker Adams, Zach Beem, Tanner Beem, Clay Anderson and Leonard Swank.
Honorary casket bearers were Kenneth Johnson, Lloyd Glendenning, Richard Shaffer, Donald “Jake” Daily, Harold Crawford, Lywanda Case, Paul Glendenning, Todd Glendenning and Don Solliday.
Military honors by Ringgold Post #172, American Legion and the Iowa Honor Guard Unit.
At rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr, IA.
Memorials to the American Legion and the United Baptist Presbyterian Church.