Donald Ray Adams

Donald Ray Adams was born in Arlington, KY to Anne and Raymond Adams on January 28, 1940. He was the second of two children, his sister being the late Louella Smith and his late brother-in-law Don Smith. Don a.k.a. POPS was a husband, father, grandad, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. He is survived by his two children Nick Adams and Deanne Pence and son-in-law Brian Pence; along with two grandsons, Steven and Spencer Adams. He was married to the late Kathy Adams Zottarelle for 19 years and she made him an uncle of 3 surviving boys Mark, Matt, and Mike Zottarelle. Don graduated from Dupo High School and went on to be a tool and dye tradesman for Olin Corporation in East Alton, IL, and then to Bussmann Fuses in Ellisville, MO. Kathy and he then moved to the Lake of the Ozarks full time and became self-employed business owners of Sunrise Ace Hardware in Sunrise Beach, MO. Don then retired and sold the business in November of 2015 due to the passing of his wife Kathy. He was a man of few words but loved to be around his friends. He could fix anything but would rather tell you how to do it than actually work himself. He loved music and introduced his love for rock and roll to his kids. Boating and the outdoors were what he loved to do with his time. In his younger years, he loved to trick ski, drive for the Alton Ski Club, camp, and ride motorcycles. Boating has always been his real passion, and he would take his Formula boat “Quid Pro Quo" out and be the first one in the cove and the last to leave. He loved to eat Kathy’s cooking and could not turn down anything sweet! He and Kathy spent a lot of time on the beaches in Florida with friends Marilyn Hartman and Larry Miller. His favorite spot is Key West, and he would love to go to the boat races with his friends and bike around the different watering holes on the island. Most of his mornings were spent with his buddy the late Tom Moore drinking coffee and hanging out. Pop’s journey ended peacefully on September 27, 2023, and he was very ready to go be with his 2 favorite girls Kathy and Kahlua (dog). In lieu of flowers, tears, or gifts, have a “pork chop” in a can, a whiskey, a chew, a smoke, or a long boat ride in the sun. And if you are ever in Key West, his favorite place, buy a funny shirt and think of Pops. A private burial has occurred at St. Pat’s Cemetery on O Road in Laurie. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 28 from 6 pm-9 pm at the American Legion in Sunrise Beach, MO (852 American Legion Road, Sunrise Beach, MO 65079). Come celebrate a simple man who loved his friends, have a taco, a drink, and share a story or two with his family. Please dress casually by wearing your favorite tee shirt with a funny saying that pops would love. And as Pop would say, no socks are required! Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.

Donald Ray Adams

January 28, 1940 - September 27, 2023

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Donald Ray Adams

January 28, 1940 - September 27, 2023

About Us

What We Do

Contact KG/Locations

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support