Robert E. Adams

Robert E. Adams, 96, of Royal Center went home to be with the Lord and his Savior on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at South Bend Memorial Hospital.

Born on February 22, 1926 in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Howard and Emma (Amburgey) Adams.

After graduating in 1944 from Royal Center High School, “Mert” joined the US Navy and served aboard the USS Gunason, a destroyer escort serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters during World War II.

On May 11, 1963 he married his beloved Donna M. Hill. The happy couple enjoyed 59 good years together raising their family, setting an example of Christ-like service, and always giving each other a good ribbing.

“Friendly Bob” started out farming and later became a master carpenter. He loved working in his large garden, helping fix things for his friends and neighbors, and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. A longtime member at Baptist Christian Church, Bob served as an elder for 30 years and still continued to teach Sunday School. He also enjoyed spending time talking and playing games with his family, always looking forward to get-togethers. No matter if Bob won or lost a game like Skip-Bo with his wife or grandkids, you could count on everyone enjoying a good time.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Adams of Royal Center; daughters, Beth Zentz (Robert) of Kokomo and Lisa Johnson (James) of Pennsylvania; son, Thomas Adams (Diana) of Royal Center; sister, Joan Gilpin (Raymond) of Minnesota; grandchildren, Jacob Zentz (Brooke) of Indianapolis, Emily Vaughn (Kolby) of Westfield, Zachary Zentz of Muncie, Rachel Zentz of Muncie, John Johnson at Great Lakes Basic Training, Nathan Adams of Royal Center, Ryan Adams of Royal Center, James Johnson of Pennsylvania, Evan Adams of Royal Center, Abigail Johnson of Pennsylvania and Benjamin Adams of Royal Center.

He was also preceded in death by sisters, Mary Susan Powell, Zula Noakes, and Gladys Alfrey, as well as twins, Audie and Audrey, who died at birth.

Services will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 23, 2022 at the Baptist Christian Church in Royal Center with Pastor Joel Sharp officiating.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center.

Burial with Military Rites will be performed at Kistler Cemetery, Royal Center.

Memorial contributions can be made to Baptist Christian Church.

Mr. Adams’ online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.