Willard F. Adams, son of the late Charles Henry and Elzia Hopper Adams, was born May 22, 1930, in Caruthersville, Missouri and departed this life on December 7, 2024, at his residence in Dexter at the age of 94.
Willard was the youngest of eight children. He served proudly in the United States Navy and was a deacon for 70 years. He was in office management for Brown Shoe Company for 40 years and spent 12 years working for Bootheel Regional Planning. He was the Mayor of Bernie for many years and silently helped many people during his life through his connections and knowledge. The loves of his life were being a child of God, his family, serving his country and the American Flag.
On February 24, 1954, he united in marriage to Myrtle B. Jones in Caruthersville, Missouri. They were married for 59 years before she preceded him in death on May 24, 2016.
Two children were blessed to call him Dad; Blaine Adams of New Franklin, Missouri and Lynn (Marty) Averett of Dexter, Missouri; proud grandfather of four grandchildren, Jordan (Candi) Averett, Colton Averett of Dexter, Missouri, Andrew Adams of Fayette, Missouri and Rachel Adams of Millersburg, Missouri; his greatest joys, his great-grandchildren, Francesca (Frankie), Ellesandra (Ellie) and Griffin Averett all of Dexter, Missouri; several special nieces.
Other than his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, four sisters and his granddaughter, Chelsa Averett.
The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to his hospice nurse and buddy, Kay Seiler.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Tuesday December 10, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Chapel on Wednesday December 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with Jonathon Rice officiating. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.
The family requests that memorial contributions may be made to:
Missouri State Veterans Cemetery
17357 Stars and Stripes Way
Bloomfield, Missouri 63825
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
