Howard Thomas Adams

Howard Thomas Adams, 75, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 2:57 a.m. Friday, October 25, 2019, at Beth Haven Nursing Home in Hannibal.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at the Smith Funeral Home and Chapel.  Pastor Jessica Foster will officiate.  Burial with full military honors provided by Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post #55 will be in the Grand View Burial Park.

Visitation celebrating Howard’s life will be held 12 o’clock noon Wednesday until the time of the service at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Howard was born on October 7, 1944, in Liberty, MO the son of Leo and Florence (Swafford) Adams.

He was united in marriage to Gloria E. Nieweg on August 4, 1974, in Gladstone, MO.  She survives him.

Other survivors include his children, Murrell Adams and wife Tamara of Mexico, MO, Terri A. Adams and (Harry White) of Palmyra, MO, Bradley Adams and wife Kristin of Quincy, IL, and Michael Adams and wife Christy of Hannibal, MO; nine grandchildren, Tiffany, Cassandra, Samantha, Kimberly, Mackenzie, Jase, Kendall, Kinsley and Brynleigh; eight great grandchildren; brother, Robert Adams and wife Sandy of Liberty, MO and sister, Evelyn Carroll and husband Roy of Wichita, KS.

Mr. Adams was preceded in death by his parents.

Howard graduated from Liberty High School and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era from 1962-1966 and reenlisted from 1967-1969.

Howard retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a switchman in 2001 after thirty-three years of service.  After retirement, Howard enjoyed the monthly breakfast meetings with the  Retired Telephone Pioneers Club.

Howard was a forty plus year member of the Boy Scouts of America having started as a Cub Scout working all the way up as a Scout Master for his children.  From his love of Boy Scouts, Howard enjoyed camping, fishing, woodworking and home remodeling. 

Away from work and scouts, Howard loved spending time with his family.  Holidays, birthdays, playing Croquet or a competitive game of Putt-Putt Golf were some of the special family times in Howard’s life.

Mr. Adams was a faithful member of Park United Methodist Church, where he was active in the Men’s Club and served as a Trustee.

Pallbearers will be Murrell Adams, Bradley Adams, Michael Adams, Jase Adams, Seth McBride and Brad Morrison.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

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