Esta Merle "Bud" Adams
July 22, 1916 to Nov. 10, 2014
Esta Merle "Bud" Adams, 98, passed away on November 10, 2014 at St. Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital in Anderson.
Born near Summitville, at his Aunt Eloni's home, on July 22, 1916 to Ozro and Addeline (Weaver) Adams. Esta was a lifelong Madison County resident.
A Navy veteran, he served in the Pacific Theater during WW II.
A lifelong animal enthusiast, farmer, inventor and hunter. Esta raised fox and mink for 70 years.
Considered a master gardener and fisherman, he taught his skills to family and friends.
A 1981 retiree of Delco Remy, Esta earned many suggestion awards through the years.
Preceding Esta in death was his beloved wife of 46 years whom he married October 7, 1939, Eldene (Mittendorf) Adams, loving companion Francis Learned, loving daughter, Mrs. Joe(Dorothy) Stapleton, parents, sisters, Margie Michael, Bonnie Maddox and Mabel Wood.
He is remembered with love by a son, Merle O. Adams(Rosemary), daughters, Betty Swift (Gary); Rose Ann Adams-Whitehead (Morris); son-in-law, Joe (Linda) Stapleton; brother-in-law, John Mittendorf (Emily) along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Esta's grandchildren, Dwain Adams (Rhonda) ; Lisa Byers (Bryan); Lori Adams/(Jimmy Nash); Rob Swift (Michelle); Stephanie Swift-Miller (Jared); Mark Stapleton; Jessica Stapleton (Bill Goodpaster); David and Danny Whitehead; great grandchildren, Kylee Swisher(Justin); Andrew Swift; Chloe Hanna Luke; Leah Byers; Adam Byers; Samuel Adams; Hunter Beatty and Korbin Beatty; his best friend, Marvin Persinger.
During the last two years of his life, his caregivers, Lisa, Michelle, Stephanie, Lori, Mark and Mandi, were family which he greatly enjoyed and with whom he shared his great humor.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ong for his years of compassionate care and also thanks to the CCU nursing staff at St. Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital for his excellent care during dad's final days.
Services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with Ned Clark officiating. Burial will be in Vinson Cemetery in Summitville with military graveside rites by the VFW Post 266 Honor Guard.
Visitation will be from 11 am until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorial Contributions to may be given to American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.