Thomas Edward Adams, 67, of Independence, Kansas, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2017, in his home. Thomas was born on October 17, 1949, in Wagoner, Oklahoma, to Charley O. Adams and Leola Mae (Wilkey) Adams. He grew up in Independence, Kansas, and graduated from Independence High School in 1967. Thomas attended trade school for engine mechanics in 1968, joined the United States Air Force for four years and was a Vietnam Veteran. Thomas worked in the oil field for 15 years, and then worked and retired from the City of Oklahoma City after more than 25 years of services.

Thomas was preceded in his death by his parents; two sisters, Norma Jean (Adams) Clubine and Joyce Ann (Adams) Gordon; and one grandson, Zachary Burke. Survivors include: three sisters, Peggy Adams of Independence, Kansas; Glenda Burkhart of Omaha, Nebraska; Janell Adams Daily of Murrieta, California; and one brother, Billy (B.J.) Adams of Pahrump, Nevada. Thomas is also survived by six children and 14 grandchildren: Tammy Williams of Loveland, Colorado and her two children, Gracie and Austin Williams; Charley Adams of Marshfield, Missouri and his two children, Cody and Rustin Adams; Tricia Sexton of Galesburg, Kansas, and her three children, Justin, Dante, and Shawn Sexton; Jason Adams of Parsons, Kansas, and his six children, Ashley and Jason Cartwright, Jr., and Nahele, Brighton, Anoki, and Miracle Adams; Tiffany Erb of Dallas, Texas; and Brandon Adams of Yukon, Oklahoma, and his child Malakai.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, April 27, 2017, at Potts Funeral Home in Independence, Kansas. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 26, 2017, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with family present from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial remembrances be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Online remembrances may also be left at www.pottsfuneralhome.com.