Donald Edward Adams

Donald E. Adams, age 72, passed away Sunday morning, April 10, at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, after a long battle with heart disease. Donald was born March 2, 1939 in Houston, Texas, to W.E. and Margaret Pouland Adams. He was the oldest of three children who enjoyed growing up in a country setting in Alum Creek, Bastrop County, Texas.

Donald graduated from Smithville High School in 1957 where he participated in baseball, chorus, and Future Farmers of America. His passion for music led him to perform in venues such as The Louisiana Hayride, Austin's Sportscenter Jamboree, and the Bastrop Country Hour radio program. Following graduation, Donald joined the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in California.

After serving in the US Marine Corps, he returned to Smithville, Texas where he married his high school sweetheart, Connie Roberts on October 8, 1960 in Floresville, Texas. Together, they had three children. Donald attended Southwest Texas State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling. Throughout his lifetime, Donald served as a minister in the churches of Christ, a businessman and a teacher. He devoted himself to the service of the Lord and served as a pulpit minister, deacon, elder and Bible class teacher. During their retirement, Donald and Connie enjoyed travel, church activities, and their children and grandchildren.

Preceding him in death are his parents, W.E. and Margaret Pouland Adams; a brother Jimmy Ray Adams; brother-in-law Carl E. Anderson and brother-in-law Charles Roberts.

Survivors include his wife Connie; son Duane (Heather) Adams of Amarillo; daughter Melody (Robert) Kern of Abilene; and Mary (Allen) Ashlock of Paris, Tennessee; grandchildren Megan, Micah, and Callie Adams; Justin, Travis, and Bradley Kern; Lauren, Adam, Tanner, and Taylor Ashlock. He is also survived by his sister Norma Adams Anderson of Smithville and a sister-in-law, Bess Ann Glenn Roberts of Round Rock.

A celebration of life will be held at Hillcrest Church of Christ on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 11:30am. Interment will be in Texas State Veterans Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Robert Kern, Allen Ashlock, Justin Kern, Travis Kern, Micah Adams, and Bradley Kern.

The family would like to express our appreciation to Dr. Ferguson, Dr. Blackwood, Dr. Breitkreutz, Dr. Pate, Dr. Cox, and the nursing staff of Hendrick Medical Center CCU. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 149 N. Willis, Abilene, TX 79603; Hillcrest Church of Christ, 650 E. Ambler, Abilene, TX 79601; or Smithville Church of Christ, 1416 E. Whitehead, Smithville, TX 78957.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliott-hamil.com.