Moscow resident Byron W. Adams, 78, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002, after a short illness. Byron was born Sept. 17, 1923 at Tacoma, Wash., to Guy F. and Dena M. Adams. He moved to Moscow, Idaho, in October of 1934 with his family. He graduated from Moscow High School in 1941. Byron enlisted in the Army Air Corps in December 1942. He entered the Aviation Cadet Program and graduated as an aerial navigator in July 1944. He flew as a navigator on a B-24 Bomber in the Central Pacific. His squadron was the last flight over Iwo Jima before the invasion. He was discharged as a first lieutenant in January 1946. After attending the University of Idaho, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Byron was employed by H.D. Powell Plumbing and Heating. In September of 1957 he became a partner and manager of the business. Byron continued his career at Powell Plumbing and Heating and was eventually sole owner. He served for 12 years as a member of the State Plumbing Board. Some of the larger mechanical contracts that he held were for the Kibbie Dome, the University Inn, Hartung Theatre and Colfax Hospital. He sold his interest in Powell Plumbing and Heating in September 1988, and retired. Byron enjoyed woodworking, golf, fishing, playing cards, travel, and his family and grandchildren. The times he enjoyed most were at the family cabin at Conklin Park on Lake Coeur d'Alene during the summer. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge and a member of the Moose Lodge, a former Jaycee and past president of the Moscow Rotary Club and director of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce. He married Ann Geiger of The Dalles, Ore., on Feb. 17, 1952. She survives at the family home. He also is survived by his son, Kevin and wife Cynthia of Moscow, daughter Juli Jordanger and husband Wayne, of Camano Island, Wash., and grandchildren Nichole, Dain, and Hunter. He is also survived by his brother, Robert F. Adams of Virginia Beach, Va. Two sisters have died previously. A memorial Mass will be at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Moscow, with a reception following at St. Mary's Parish Center. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to St. Mary's School, 412 N. Monroe, Moscow, ID 83843, or to the Moscow Elks Golf Course, P.O. Box 9026, Moscow, ID 83843.

Published in Moscow-Pullman Daily News, Friday, February 1, 2002