Gerald ADAMS Obituary

ADAMS,
Gerald W.
(Age 90)

Walla Walla resident, Gerald W. Adams passed away peacefully at his home on his 90th birthday, October 8, 2013.

Gerald was born October 8, 1923, in Portland, Oregon, to J. Foster and Ruth Shoen Adams. He attended school in Portland, Oregon, graduating from Benson Polytechnic High School in January, 1942. He worked in a railroad blacksmith shop for the Union Pacific Railroad Company in Portland before entering the US Army Air Force during World War II in April, 1943, serving until discharged in October, 1945.

He flew 50 missions as a ball turret gunner on a B-24 bomber in the 455th Bomb Group 15th AAR in Italy in 1944. He received the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Unit Citation Badge with oak leaf cluster and the European Theater ribbon with five battle stars. He also received the Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the American Theater ribbon plus a marksman's badge for the rifle and the sharpshooters badge for the pistol.

He worked for 37 years as a Brakeman and Conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad Company, retiring in January, 1984. While working on the railroad, his route often took him through Spokane where he would spend some nights.

He enjoyed retirement, visiting family and a little horse race gambling at Northwest Tracks and Reno, Nevada. He followed all sports, especially baseball and ice hockey and enjoyed reading, with biographies, history, sports and current events his favorite topics.

He is survived by his step-daughter, Linda (James) Weber; grandson, Gary (Michelle) Adams, Jr.; great-grandson, Wyatt Adams; four step-grandsons; five step-great-grandchildren, a niece, nephew and cousin. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Gary Adams, Sr.; and his sister, Lois Yates.

At his request there will be service. Inurnment will be private in Mountain View Cemetery, Walla Walla, Washington. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Aid Center, Blue Mountain Humane Society or a charity of donor's choice through Mountain View-Colonial DeWitt, 1551 Dalles Military Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362.

Friends may write memories and sign the online guestbook at " target="_blank" class="obit-text-link">www.mountainview-colonialdewitt.com
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