Adams, Russell D. (1926 - 2018)

ADAMS, BAUGH, HEILESEN, BOOTH, HOPKINS, VAN FLEET

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 1/16/2018 at 21:30:28

Name of deceased: Russell Dale Adams

Aged: 91 yrs, 11 mo, 30 days

Residence: Harlan, IA

Born: Jan. 13, 1926; Kirkman, Shelby County, IA

Died: Jan. 12, 2018; Elm Crest Retirement Community, Harlan, Shelby County, IA

Funeral services: Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018; Pauley Jones Funeral Home, Harlan, IA; burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery,
Kirkman, IA

Survived by: Wife of 71 years, Deloris Adams of Harlan, IA; daughter, Jayne (spouse, Gary) Baugh of Johnston, CO; son, David Adams (spouse, Peggy) of San Antonio, TX; 5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Harry and Beulah (nee Heilesen) Adams; daughters, Patricia Booth and Teresa Adams; siblings, Virginia Hopkins, Roland Adams, Forrest Adams and Rex Adams

Education: Attended school in Kirkman, IA, and graduated from Kirkman High School; after WWII, he relocated back to Iowa with his wife and decided to attend college at the University of Iowa through the GI Bill. He finished his Bachelor’s Degree in School Administration and Teaching at Drake University.

Religious affiliation: Baptized at Bethel Baptist Church, Harlan, IA

Military service: While working in California during WWII, he enlisted in the U. S. Coast Guard

Marriage: Deloris Van Fleet; Aug. 29, 1946; Hiawatha, KS

Employment: Relocated to California and worked in an aircraft plant during WWII before enlisting in the U. S. Coast Guard. After the war, he completed his teaching degree at Drake University. Russell’s first teaching job was 7th and 8th grade government and history in Tennant, IA; he then taught country school for 1 year outside of Jacksonville, IA. Russell and Deloris later moved to Portland, OR to continue their education. He taught school while at Oregon State University, and received his Master’s Degree in School Administration. Next, he was an Elementary Principal in Marshalltown, IA and an administrator and counselor at Elk Horn Kimballton (IA) Schools. He also began teaching at Iowa Western Community College for 12 years at the Harlan and Atlantic campuses. Russell worked for the University of Missouri as a teacher advisor throughout Missouri for a few years until his retirement.

Hobbies/Interests: woodworking; reading--he shared his passion by donating thousands of new books to the children of Shelby County; he also took on the persona of Santa Claus at Christmas for over 30 years.

Sources: kjan.com; knodfm.com; pauleyjones.com