Duane "Dee" Adams, 86, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 6:36 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Stearns Nursing and Rehabilitation in Granite City. He was born October 25, 1925 in Kansas City, Kansas, a son of the late Noel and Myrtis (Cobb) Adams. He married Mary (Orona) Adams on October 11, 1944 in Ottumwa, Iowa and she survives.
He retired in 1985 from Yellow Freight after 36 years of truck driving. The United States Navy veteran proudly served his country during World War II. His life was full of adventure and enjoyed his days of flying small planes as a pilot, racing stock cars and was active with B.U.R.T. with his scuba diving. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, American Legion and the V.F.W. in Granite City and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends.
In addition to his beloved wife of 67 years, he is survived by two daughters, Donna Sprankle of Granite City and Karen Sue Smith of Granite City; one son and daughter-in-law, Gregory and Tommye Adams of South Roxana, Illinois; seven grandchildren and spouses, Glen and Kimberly Sprankle, Gregory and Tammy Adams, John G. Adams, Tammy and Larry Birkner, William "Dee" Smith, Deanna and Don Thunberg and Michael Boner; many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; one sister, Jody Appling of Seattle, Washington; other extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Robin Smith and one sister, Joy Craig.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. where funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2012 with Father Chris Comerford officiating. Burial with military rites will be at St. John Cemetery on Nameoki Road in Granite City. Memorials may be made to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and may be accepted at the funeral home.
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