Michael Adams Obituary

Michael Lee Adams, age 75, of Council Grove, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Olathe Medical Center.

Mike was born January 24, 1950, in Council Grove, Kansas, to Jack and Una (Shellenberger) Adams. He spent most of his childhood in Council Grove, with a brief three-year stay in Leoti, KS. He attended the 4 Mile School for elementary education and graduated from Council Grove High School in 1968. He went on to earn his HVAC certification from Manhattan Area Technical College and later obtained his journeyman license.

In 1970, Mike enlisted in the Kansas National Guard and served honorably for six years.

A skilled tradesman and dedicated worker, Mike held a variety of jobs before joining his dad in his construction business. After his father’s retirement, he co-founded Adams and Swenson Construction with his close friend Gary Swenson. He continued his career in the trades with Standard Plumbing in Manhattan, the Wells Group in Salina, and eventually retired from KVK Inc. in 2011.

Mike loved hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling. He was a member of the Council Grove United Methodist Church, a former member of the Council Grove Masonic Lodge, and a devoted fan of both K-State and KU athletics. Above all, he cherished time with his family—especially attending his grandchildren’s activities. Known as “the fixer” to his family, Mike generously shared his mechanical talents with family and friends. He was deeply valued by those around him for his wisdom and quiet strength.

On December 1, 1972, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Alice D. Smith. Together, they built a loving family and shared 52 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife Alice of Council Grove; children Jennifer (Jeff) Florence of Council Grove and Adena (Justin) Schwinn of Ozawkie; grandchildren Toby (Jen) Florence, Victoria Masters (Ross Cox), Adena Kathleen Masters, Elizabeth Florence, Gavin Schwinn, Avery Schwinn, and Addison Schwinn; and great-grandchildren Max Olson, McKenzie Olson, Hayden Florence, Hudson Florence, Maverick Florence, Hendrix Florence, Owen Vivieros, and Killian Vivieros.

Mike is also survived by his siblings Larry (Barbara) Adams, Jackie Adams, Terry (Deb) Adams, and Debbie Cooper; sister-in-law Geneva Adams; and many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Danny Adams; brother-in-law, Barry Cooper; and great nephew Coy Adkins.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 1st, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Council Grove United Methodist Church. A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, July 2nd, at 11:00 a.m. at the Council Grove United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Council Grove/Dunlap United Methodist Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove KS 66846.