Adams

Benjamin Hardin Adams III, age 90, passed peacefully in his sleep at his farm in Flatonia on May 18, 2017 surrounded by the love of his life of 51 years and beloved family. Ben was born on Jan. 14, 1927 in Ocean Beach, Calif. As a child, Ben lived in the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Illinois. Ben enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 1942 by convincing his mother to sign for him at the age of 15. While in the Marines he served in the 1st Marine Division, fought in four campaigns and survived some of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific to include Peleliu and Okinawa where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. At the conclusion of World War II, Ben traveled the world in the Merchant Marines. He then enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany where he served during the occupation of Germany. He shared many of his war stories with family and friends over the years and was featured in newspaper articles and a few radio interviews. His stories were adventurous, sad, some humorous, but most importantly, filled with pride. Ben willingly served his country with a generous, compassionate and brave heart. After his military service was complete he returned to the states where he held several jobs until he went into business for himself which he successfully ran for over thirty years. Ben was a business owner, leader and innovator and well respected by peers, colleagues, and customers. Ben was the consummate salesman, but his fondest memories had nothing to do with making a sale. When asked about his favorite part of running his own business, Ben simply said “Helping people.” His hobbies included caring for and maintaining his farm in Flatonia, gardening, planting trees, maintaining bird feeders, traveling the world, playing dominoes, telling stories, and sharing his love for music and singing while hosting many family gatherings over the years. He loved his wife, family, lived life to the fullest and had a special way of capturing the hearts of many. Ben was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Hardin Adams II and mother, Sarah Tucker Adams Peterson , sister Dorothy Adams Lain, daughters Catherine Jane Starr and Elizabeth Annette Simpson. Ben is survived by his wife Wanda Joy Collier Adams of Flatonia. He is also survived by his daughters, Dorothy Sue Adams Osterdyk, Jolinda Kaye Chinn, Kelly Adams Yoho; sons, Benjamin Hardin Adams IV, Randy Deason and T.C. Helton. He is “Grandpa” to 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Ben. Serving as pall bearers were: nephews Herschel Lain, Charlie Lain, Wayne Lain, grandsons Bralen Chinn, Clint Deason, James Harris, great-grandsons Hunter Grube and Shane Templeton. Earl Witzsche was honorary pall bearer, . Visitation was held at 4:00 pm Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at the Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia. Services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at the Flatonia United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeff Muehl officiation. Burial followed in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Flatonia. Video Link: https://vimeo.com/210346008/62ffrde1d59 . Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.smithfuneralhomeflatonia.com. Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia was in charge of arrangements.