Donald Lee Adams, age 87 of Greenville, peacefully passed away at home on Monday, July 24, 2017. Donnie stated in his senior yearbook, “I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course.” Sixty-seven years later, this sentiment holds true as he graduated from this life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Leota (Greenhoe) Adams, and his sister, Bernice Powers. Donald is survived by his wife of 67 years, Muriel; his children: John (Susan) Adams of Greenville, Jeff (Margie) Adams of Gowen, and Mary Adams of Greenville; his 11 grandchildren: Sam Adams (Myriah) of Six Lakes, Eric Adams (Alisha) of Fort Leavenworth in Kansas, Jenny (Brian) Diehl of Greenville, Michael Adams (Jennifer) of Greenville, Kaile Markee of Gowen, Amanda Adams of Greenville, Jeff Adams (Tiffany) of Trufant, Ben (Sarah Jo) Bowser of Amble, Sarah (Rob) Spohn of Sidney, Charles Bowser of Grand Rapids, Adam Bowser of Jacksonville in Florida, and 23 great grandchildren; his sister, Betty (Earl) Cross of Florida; his brothers, Laverne “Buz” Adams of Greenville, and Wayne (Marilyn) Adams of Sheridan.

Donald, informally known as Donnie, graduated from Stanton Rural Agricultural School in 1949. He went to work for Federal-Mogul and retired after 34 years. He was then able to enjoy nearly as many years of retirement. He worked hard to provide a stable and loving home for his family. By example, he taught his children to be honest and keep their word, work hard, take their time to do it right, care for their tools, clean up after themselves, hunt responsibly, bait a hook, and a wealth of personal values and common-sense wisdom that will live on in his family.

Donnie enjoyed a simple life with his family and friends. He loved hunting and fishing, tending to his vegetable garden and large expanse of lawn, and building impressive bonfires that he set off with a spectacular whoosh-boom. Donnie was always happy to have family and friends gathered around his fire in summer and around the kitchen table in the winter. He loved to cook, and everyone loved eating his famous macaroni and cheese.

Donnie, faithful husband, loving father, proud grandpa, and good friend would not let you leave his home until you were well fed, or he would send a little something home with you for later. And he did not depart this life without leaving his family and friends with full hearts and endless memories for later.

In keeping with Donnie’s directive for no formal services, his family will simply celebrate his life by gathering around the bonfire and feasting on good food and priceless memories. Friends wishing to visit with the family, may drop by Donnie and Murt’s Turk Lake home on Saturday, August 5th from 4 to 6 PM.

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