Frank William Adams

Dr. Frank William Adams, age 90, died Sunday in his Corvallis, OR, home. He lived a full life dedicated to his family, faith, and community. Born in Billings, MT, he was the son of Dr. Frank W. and Julia E. (Kelley) Adams. He received his B.S. from Montana State University in 1948, his M.S. from Oregon State College in 1951, and his Ph.D. in zoology from OSU in 1965. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in both the European and Pacific theaters. He married Mary Margaret Bollenbeck in 1947. A year later they moved to Corvallis. While completing his studies and working days and nights, he actively participated in raising their seven children, all of whom graduated from OSU. He started at Oregon State College in 1953, was on the research faculty in the Agricultural Chemistry department at OSU, and retired in 1990. His research interests included nutrition influences on physiology and embryology, and chemical environmental influences on biological tissues. While at OSU, he served on numerous committees and professional associations, received the OSEA-OSU faculty Chapter No. 72 Employee of the Year Award (1977), and was elected President of the OSEA-OSU Faculty Chapter (1975) and President of OSU Chapter Sigma Xi (1985). In 1939 he earned his Eagle rank in Boy Scouts, and continued to exemplify the spirit of scouting by actively serving scouting organizations throughout his adult life. He is Past Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus; was a song leader and sang with the church choir for many years; was a lector; and a member of the parish council. In retirement, he volunteered for Dial-A-Bus, Life Line, and Meals on Wheels. Frank’s other interests included gardening, attending the Portland and Seattle operas, camping, and travelling. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, and his sister Judy Culver. He is survived by his sister Barbara Genest of Billings; sons David Adams and wife Carla, Michael Adams and wife Suzanne, and Brian Adams and wife Barbara Badgett; daughters Mary Kay Moment and husband Robert, Patricia Adams and husband James Whitson, Karen Adams and Thad Gerheim, and Susan Adams; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 22nd, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Father Ignacio Llorente will officiate. A vigil service will be held at 6:00 pm on Monday, September 21, at McHenry Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Benton County Hospice in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 NW Fifth St., Corvallis, OR 97330.

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Frank William Adams

February 17, 1925 - September 13, 2015