Frank Eugene Adams' Obituary
Frank Adams, born June 29, 1923 in Everett Wa. passed away quietly at St Joseph's Hospital in Tacoma at 4:00 am Friday July 24, 2009 at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Lance Corporal Michael Eugene Adams USMC, a Vietnam War casualty. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Neshma (Nicki) L. Adams (Hassan), son Mark R. Adams, daughter Dena G. Gomez and his grandchildren: Michael R. and Amanda N. Adams; Jason, Joshua and Jon Purnhagen. Frank also has 4 great grandchildren ranging in ages from 2 to 10 years.
During WWII, after graduating from Grand Coulee H.S., Frank volunteered for the Army Air Corp. He became a navigator, was commissioned and assigned to the 755th Bomber Squadron in the European theater of operations. Frank flew a number of combat missions in the B-24 Liberator bomber over Germany during 1944-1945. On January 16, 1945, on a mission over Germany, his bomber was hit by flak and the crew was forced to parachute from the crippled bomber. During the incident Frank sustained injuries earning him the Purple Heart. During the war, Frank also was awarded the Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
While still on active duty, Frank met and subsequently married Neshma in Dalhart Texas on Dec 16, 1945. In 1947 Frank resigned from active duty, returning to Spokane and joining the Wash State Air National Guard. He was again called to active service in 1951 in support of the Korean War.
He graduated from Gonzaga University in 1958 with a BBA. Frank worked full time and raised a family of three children while attending Gonzaga. After graduating from Gonzaga, Frank accepted a full time position with the Wash. State Air National Guard. Frank was promoted to Colonel in 1966 and retired in 1978. His last position with the National Guard was as the Director of Personnel Management, HQ Wash. ANG, Camp Murray. After retiring Frank served as Executive Director for the Washington State National Guard Association until 1982.
Frank was deeply loved and will be forever missed by his entire family.
There will be in memorial Service for Frank on Friday, July 31st at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 10630 Gravelly Lake Drive S.W., Lakewood Wash. 98499. A reception will follow. He will be buried at Spokane Memorial Garden on Aug. 8 with a grave side commitment ceremony at a time yet to be determined. Spokane Memorial Garden Tel No. 509-448-2620. Instead of flowers, please donate and send remembrances to St. Mary's Church in the name of Frank Adams to the address provided above.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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