Charles Clifford Adams of Albany died Monday at Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis due to trauma of a hip fracture and surgery. He was 85.
He was born in Killdeer, N.D., the son of Charles Henry and Ruth Hazel Adams. He was raised in Grassy Butte, N.D., and North Plains, Ore.
He entered Hillsboro High School but was unable to complete his education due to the need to help run the family strawberry farm on Pumpkin Ridge. In 1979, at the age of 56, he completed his GED at Oregon State University and qualified for admission to the University, an accomplishment he held with great pride for the next 30 years.
He served in the U.S. Navy as an Air Radio Man 2nd Class with U.S. Navy Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB 121 stationed in the South Pacific during World War II and participated in more than 25 combat missions. He often spoke of the great leadership example provided by his commanding officer, Lt. (j.g.) John R. Fraser. While on Iwo Jima, he acquired the nickname "ice cream hog" for his uncanny ability to tap into new supplies allotted among the squadron's 13 flight crews.
After returning to the States, he married Nellie Marie Beckner on May 26, 1946, in Wichita, Kan. They moved from Kansas to North Plains, Ore., in 1946 where he assumed operation of the family farm.
In 1952, he began his career with Southern Pacific Company, rising from track maintenance laborer ("gandy dancer") on section gangs in Tillamook County to maintenance general foreman on the main line running from Northern California through Oregon. He was often lauded for his incredible work ethic and dedication to high standards. He retired after 30 years with the company in 1982.
While the family resided in Garibaldi, from 1953 through 1964, he served in the volunteer fire department including as president of the organization. He also coached little league baseball in Garibaldi from 1957 through 1964 and was especially proud to have coached Jerry Johnson, who later pitched for the Oregon State Beavers (1966-70).
He was an avid hunter throughout his adult life and considered Black Crater near the McKenzie Pass as his favorite location.
Most knew him for his dry humor right up to the end of his life. When an attending physician curious about his mobility asked "how much do you get out of your house," he replied "you mean money wise?"
He was preceded in death by his wife Nellie. Survivors include his second wife, Violet; his sons, Stan Adams of Vietnam, Ron Adams and wife Judy of Corvallis, and Kevin Adams and wife Corrine of Klamath Falls; his daughters, Diane Persson and husband Dan of Salem, and Karen Reyes of Salem; his stepson Hugh O'Neil of Hermiston; his stepdaughters Kathleen Baker and husband Richard of Beaverton, Nadine Irvin and husband Will of Eugene, and Nova O'Neil of Eugene; his 21 grand- and step-grandchildren; and his 30 great-grand- and step-great grandchildren.
Per his wishes, family and close friends will gather Saturday for a private celebration of his life.
He was born in Killdeer, N.D., the son of Charles Henry and Ruth Hazel Adams. He was raised in Grassy Butte, N.D., and North Plains, Ore.
He entered Hillsboro High School but was unable to complete his education due to the need to help run the family strawberry farm on Pumpkin Ridge. In 1979, at the age of 56, he completed his GED at Oregon State University and qualified for admission to the University, an accomplishment he held with great pride for the next 30 years.
He served in the U.S. Navy as an Air Radio Man 2nd Class with U.S. Navy Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB 121 stationed in the South Pacific during World War II and participated in more than 25 combat missions. He often spoke of the great leadership example provided by his commanding officer, Lt. (j.g.) John R. Fraser. While on Iwo Jima, he acquired the nickname "ice cream hog" for his uncanny ability to tap into new supplies allotted among the squadron's 13 flight crews.
After returning to the States, he married Nellie Marie Beckner on May 26, 1946, in Wichita, Kan. They moved from Kansas to North Plains, Ore., in 1946 where he assumed operation of the family farm.
In 1952, he began his career with Southern Pacific Company, rising from track maintenance laborer ("gandy dancer") on section gangs in Tillamook County to maintenance general foreman on the main line running from Northern California through Oregon. He was often lauded for his incredible work ethic and dedication to high standards. He retired after 30 years with the company in 1982.
While the family resided in Garibaldi, from 1953 through 1964, he served in the volunteer fire department including as president of the organization. He also coached little league baseball in Garibaldi from 1957 through 1964 and was especially proud to have coached Jerry Johnson, who later pitched for the Oregon State Beavers (1966-70).
He was an avid hunter throughout his adult life and considered Black Crater near the McKenzie Pass as his favorite location.
Most knew him for his dry humor right up to the end of his life. When an attending physician curious about his mobility asked "how much do you get out of your house," he replied "you mean money wise?"
He was preceded in death by his wife Nellie. Survivors include his second wife, Violet; his sons, Stan Adams of Vietnam, Ron Adams and wife Judy of Corvallis, and Kevin Adams and wife Corrine of Klamath Falls; his daughters, Diane Persson and husband Dan of Salem, and Karen Reyes of Salem; his stepson Hugh O'Neil of Hermiston; his stepdaughters Kathleen Baker and husband Richard of Beaverton, Nadine Irvin and husband Will of Eugene, and Nova O'Neil of Eugene; his 21 grand- and step-grandchildren; and his 30 great-grand- and step-great grandchildren.
Per his wishes, family and close friends will gather Saturday for a private celebration of his life.
Charles Clifford Adams of Albany died Monday at Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis due to trauma of a hip fracture and surgery. He was 85.
He was born in Killdeer, N.D., the son of Charles Henry and Ruth Hazel Adams. He was raised in Grassy Butte, N.D., and North Plains, Ore.
He entered Hillsboro High School but was unable to complete his education due to the need to help run the family strawberry farm on Pumpkin Ridge. In 1979, at the age of 56, he completed his GED at Oregon State University and qualified for admission to the University, an accomplishment he held with great pride for the next 30 years.
He served in the U.S. Navy as an Air Radio Man 2nd Class with U.S. Navy Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB 121 stationed in the South Pacific during World War II and participated in more than 25 combat missions. He often spoke of the great leadership example provided by his commanding officer, Lt. (j.g.) John R. Fraser. While on Iwo Jima, he acquired the nickname "ice cream hog" for his uncanny ability to tap into new supplies allotted among the squadron's 13 flight crews.
After returning to the States, he married Nellie Marie Beckner on May 26, 1946, in Wichita, Kan. They moved from Kansas to North Plains, Ore., in 1946 where he assumed operation of the family farm.
In 1952, he began his career with Southern Pacific Company, rising from track maintenance laborer ("gandy dancer") on section gangs in Tillamook County to maintenance general foreman on the main line running from Northern California through Oregon. He was often lauded for his incredible work ethic and dedication to high standards. He retired after 30 years with the company in 1982.
While the family resided in Garibaldi, from 1953 through 1964, he served in the volunteer fire department including as president of the organization. He also coached little league baseball in Garibaldi from 1957 through 1964 and was especially proud to have coached Jerry Johnson, who later pitched for the Oregon State Beavers (1966-70).
He was an avid hunter throughout his adult life and considered Black Crater near the McKenzie Pass as his favorite location.
Most knew him for his dry humor right up to the end of his life. When an attending physician curious about his mobility asked "how much do you get out of your house," he replied "you mean money wise?"
He was preceded in death by his wife Nellie. Survivors include his second wife, Violet; his sons, Stan Adams of Vietnam, Ron Adams and wife Judy of Corvallis, and Kevin Adams and wife Corrine of Klamath Falls; his daughters, Diane Persson and husband Dan of Salem, and Karen Reyes of Salem; his stepson Hugh O'Neil of Hermiston; his stepdaughters Kathleen Baker and husband Richard of Beaverton, Nadine Irvin and husband Will of Eugene, and Nova O'Neil of Eugene; his 21 grand- and step-grandchildren; and his 30 great-grand- and step-great grandchildren.
Per his wishes, family and close friends will gather Saturday for a private celebration of his life.
He was born in Killdeer, N.D., the son of Charles Henry and Ruth Hazel Adams. He was raised in Grassy Butte, N.D., and North Plains, Ore.
He entered Hillsboro High School but was unable to complete his education due to the need to help run the family strawberry farm on Pumpkin Ridge. In 1979, at the age of 56, he completed his GED at Oregon State University and qualified for admission to the University, an accomplishment he held with great pride for the next 30 years.
He served in the U.S. Navy as an Air Radio Man 2nd Class with U.S. Navy Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB 121 stationed in the South Pacific during World War II and participated in more than 25 combat missions. He often spoke of the great leadership example provided by his commanding officer, Lt. (j.g.) John R. Fraser. While on Iwo Jima, he acquired the nickname "ice cream hog" for his uncanny ability to tap into new supplies allotted among the squadron's 13 flight crews.
After returning to the States, he married Nellie Marie Beckner on May 26, 1946, in Wichita, Kan. They moved from Kansas to North Plains, Ore., in 1946 where he assumed operation of the family farm.
In 1952, he began his career with Southern Pacific Company, rising from track maintenance laborer ("gandy dancer") on section gangs in Tillamook County to maintenance general foreman on the main line running from Northern California through Oregon. He was often lauded for his incredible work ethic and dedication to high standards. He retired after 30 years with the company in 1982.
While the family resided in Garibaldi, from 1953 through 1964, he served in the volunteer fire department including as president of the organization. He also coached little league baseball in Garibaldi from 1957 through 1964 and was especially proud to have coached Jerry Johnson, who later pitched for the Oregon State Beavers (1966-70).
He was an avid hunter throughout his adult life and considered Black Crater near the McKenzie Pass as his favorite location.
Most knew him for his dry humor right up to the end of his life. When an attending physician curious about his mobility asked "how much do you get out of your house," he replied "you mean money wise?"
He was preceded in death by his wife Nellie. Survivors include his second wife, Violet; his sons, Stan Adams of Vietnam, Ron Adams and wife Judy of Corvallis, and Kevin Adams and wife Corrine of Klamath Falls; his daughters, Diane Persson and husband Dan of Salem, and Karen Reyes of Salem; his stepson Hugh O'Neil of Hermiston; his stepdaughters Kathleen Baker and husband Richard of Beaverton, Nadine Irvin and husband Will of Eugene, and Nova O'Neil of Eugene; his 21 grand- and step-grandchildren; and his 30 great-grand- and step-great grandchildren.
Per his wishes, family and close friends will gather Saturday for a private celebration of his life.
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