Orlando Neil Adams, known as "Neil," to most people, died on Tuesday, February 12, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee at the age of 85 surrounded by members of his family.
Neil was born in Denver Township, Illinois on March 3, 1939 to Orlando and Grace Adams and grew up on the family farm north of Noble, Illinois. He graduated from Noble High School in 1957. He married the love of his life, Patricia Marie Kapper of Olney, Illinois on 7 October 1961.
He was very proud of his service in the Air Force (March 1962- March 1966) and the Air Force Reserves (March 1966-March 1968) and held the rank of Airman 1st class when he was honorably discharged from active duty and Sergeant when honorably discharged from the reserves. He was an Aircraft Ground Equipment Repairman and served with the 1381st Geodetic Survey Squadron, initially based out of Orlando, Florida and later, Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Neil and his family relocated to Evansville, Indiana in 1984 where he and Patricia would live most of their lives. He earned his livelihood by driving a truck for Lewis Bakeries (Bunny Bread) for over forty years. In addition, he was a proud member of both the American Legion and the NRA. He liked watching history documentaries, westerns, and various sports, but he particularly loved St. Louis Cardinals baseball. He loved to drive across the country on his Honda Goldwing with Pat to visit National Parks and especially cherished his annual trips to Florida. Neil instilled a love of travel in his son and his three grandsons by taking them on memorable trips throughout their lives.
Neil Adams was predeceased by his parents Orlando and Grace Adams, his brother J.D. Adams, and his beloved wife Patricia.
He is survived by his son: Douglas Adams, his three grandsons: Joshua (Haley) Adams, Blake (Tianna) Adams, Zachary (Anna) Adams, and his ten great-grandsons: Orlando, Nathaniel, Owen, Cillian, Oliver, Bastien, Thomas, Judah, Weston, and Everett, his brother: Everett Adams and a multitude of close in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Neil Adams will be remembered for his storytelling, sense of humor (a sneaky jokester), and devotion to his family.
It was a good life and well lived. We'll miss you, Dad/Papa.

Graveside service for the family will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Olney, Illinois.