Joseph "Joe" A. Adams

Joseph A. “Joe” Adams, 78, Andrews, Indiana, passed away at his home on April 7, 2024, with his wife of forty-five years, Barb, by his side. The son of Albert Lagar and Irene “Delain” (Hassan) Adams, Joe was born in Portland, Indiana, on December 21, 1945.

After graduating from Southport High School in Southport, Indiana in 1963, Joe attended college before entering the United States Army. He served his country proudly in Vietnam before returning home and enrolling at IU Indianapolis, where he studied chemistry. On July 8, 1978, Joe’s life was forever changed when he married his best friend and the love of his life, Barbara “Barb” Stoltzfus. The two were blessed with four children, eleven grandchildren, and countless wonderful memories together during the course of their nearly forty-six year marriage.

Joe worked to provide for his family. He began his professional career at Brulin and Co, Inc. where he spent eight years before going to work as Export Sales Manager at Huntington Labs/Ecolab from 1987 until his retirement in 2008. He and Barb enjoyed wintering in South Padre Island, Texas. Joe had a passion for traveling. He visited all states except New Mexico and enjoyed Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines. When finding time to relax, he delighted in a good Manhattan and was quite particular about how it was made. Joe also enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of Urbana, Indiana Lions Club for many years, during which time he helped strengthen his community.

The loving memory of Joe Adams will be forever cherished by his wife, Barb Adams, Andrews; children, Mike (Elizabeth) Adams, South Carolina, Nick (Lisa) Adams, Dayton, Ohio, Brandy (Marc) Hill, Noblesville, and Ada (Brady) Burgess, North Manchester; sister, Susan Nutting, Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Pressley Socorro, Lola Adams, Roxie Adams, Ezra Adams, Selena Adams, Mason Hill, Adam Hill, Cody Hill, Delaney Burgess, Miller Burgess, and Rowan Burgess. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Irene “Delain” Adams.

Joe generously donated his body to the Anatomical Education Program at Indiana University School of Medicine. This gift will contribute to the advancement of health science education in the state of Indiana. Those, like Joe, who decide to bequeath their bodies to the health sciences have made a significant contribution that benefits the quality of life and care for the living.

A celebration to honor Joe’s life will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. A military service will be held at the conclusion of calling and will be performed by American Legion Post 286 and the United States Army to honor the time that Joe selflessly gave to his country.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Joe Adams, memorial contributions may be made to Parkview Health Foundation, in the memo line, Transformative Cancer Care Fund, 3844 New Vision Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46845.

The family of Joe Adams has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.