ELKHART — David Lee Adams, 77, of Elkhart, passed away at 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at his home after a sudden and unexpected illness.

Dave was born April 3, 1939, in Kendallville, to Chester and Florence (Francisco) Adams.

He married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Sekela, on Aug. 18, 1984, in Elkhart.


Surviving are his wife of 32 years, Shirley Ann Adams; four daughters, Shelley Marie (Ken) Uekert of Ramona, Calif., Terry (Lori) Massart of Elkhart, Tracey (Ed) Chupp, of Goshen, Tricia A. Massart and Timberlee (Mike) Alexander, both of Elkhart; also nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren survive as well.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Tammy Jean Massart, an infant daughter, Tamra Lee Adams and brothers Dean and Gene Adams.

Dave worked in sales at Harter Floor Care Supply for many years, until he and Shirley started Adams and Adams Corp. in 1984, as financial consultants for federal government employee benefits, and also worked for 17 years for the Government Personnel Life Insurance Co. of San Antonio, Texas.

He was recognized from 1984 through 1998 in the Presidents' and Million Dollar Sales Clubs for Federal Home Life Insurance Co.

He retired in 2016 and took on the honorary title of "Driving Miss Daisy."

Dave served in the U. S. Air Force from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1960.

He was a member of the Bristol American Legion and Elkhart Moose Lodge No. 599.

He was an avid golfer and tournament fisherman along with Shirley for many years with the Great Plains Bass Circuit.

Services celebrating the life of David Adams will begin at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at the Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart with military honors by the USAF Funeral Honor Guard and DAV No. 19.

Following the honors, visitation will continue for family and friends until the 6 p.m. memorial service.

Pastor Gary Sheets will officiate.

In honoring David's wishes, cremation will follow with burial at later date at Rice Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ahsanul Haque, Dr. Kate Hughes and Elkhart General Hospital and staff for the kindness and concern shown to David.

Please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send a condolence or share a memory with the family.