Lewis Leon Adams

Lewis Leon Adams was born on August 19, 1930 in Ullin, Illinois. He was raised on his grandparents farm with his two sisters, Florence and Sue. Lewis was the middle child. He went to High School at Dongola High and graduated in 1948. A year after graduating, Lewis enlised in the Navy. He spent 5 years as a First Class Petty Officer, also known as a SK1. He was stationed in New Port, Rhode Island and the Subic Bay, Philippines Naval Bases. Lewis filled his free time by playing 9-ball (pool) and doing back flips and can openers at the swimming pool. After he was discharged from the Navy, Lewis went to college at the Univeristy of Southern Illinois, where he got his Associate Degree in architecture. In the summer of 1957, Memorial Day weekend, he met his soon to be wife, Nola Gene Adams. When they met it was pretty much love at first sight for both of them. They met at the Crab Orchard Lake in Marion, Illinois. They dated for four months, got engaged in September, and then married on December 21, 1957. On July 16, 1959, Lewis and Jeanie (Nola Jean) had their son, William Joseph Adams. During that time Lewis was working for various commercial buildings and helped build many hospitals, schools and shopping centers. While doing that Lewis started building his family's home. In 1962 he completed their home and started working at Gates as a Finish Carpenter. On January 11, 1983 Lewis became a grandpa to Jennifer Lynn Adams. In 1991 Lewis retired from Gates after 24 years of service. After retirement he spent his time fishing. Fishing truly was his second love. He loved going fishing with his Brother-In-Law, Gary, and his dear friends, Don and Jim. In 1996 Lewis and Jeanie went to Hawaii and had the vacation of a lifetime. They went all over Hawaiil and their favorite Island was Maui. In May of 1995 Lewis became a grandpa again to Steven and a Father-In-Law to Beverly Kot! He continued to fill his time with fishing, eating sweets and spending time with his family and friends. In December of 2007 Lewis and Jeanie celebrated 50 years of marriage. On September 8, 2009 Lewis' Great Grandson, Eli Zackary Ribble, was born. Christmas 2009 Lewis spent with his family. Lewis was a wonderful Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather and Friend. He touched so many people's lives with his fun-loving and caring attitude and his love for life, which is why he will always be remembered as an amazing, talented and incredible human being. We are all truly blessed to have had him in our lives. He will be greatly missed.