Russell Laird Adams

Russell Laird Adams, 87 of Hamilton passed away quietly on Thursday morning, January 5, 2017 at Mulberry Square Elder Care.  Russell was born on March 30, 1929, a son of the late James Irvin and Florence (Hawk) Adams.  Russell was married to Delores Bowers who preceded him in death.

Russell was a US Army veteran and served during the Korean War.  Afterwards, he was employed as a truck driver (owner-operator), mechanic, and heavy equipment operator.  Russell was a simple man who enjoyed working and always kept busy at a break neck pace.  He especially enjoyed working in his garage and driving truck.  Russell would joke that his hobby was “losing sleep” because he worked endlessly.  

Russell is survived by his close friend, Violet Eckman; his six children, Lela (Dee) Gourley, Russell Adams and his wife Lois of Punxsutawney, Sharon Eberhardt and her husband John of Duncansville, John Adams of Hamilton, Douglas Adams and his wife Missy of Hamilton, and Clarissa Adams of Dillsburg; his surviving siblings are Carl Adams and his wife Mildred of Punxsutawney, Bud Shick of Ohio, Edith Snyder of Brookville, Doris Smouse of Wellsboro, PA, and Mona Smithberger of Lorraine, OH.  Russell is also survived by nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Delores, and his parents, Russell was preceded in death by three brothers, Clair, Boyd, and Mervin Adams; a sister, Esther Kunselman; two son-in-laws, Ronald Gourley and Les Harris; and, one great-grandchild, Greyson Adams.

Friends and family will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, 2017 at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc. of Punxsutawney.   A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 9, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Spiker officiating.  Military honors will be accorded by the Jefferson County Veteran’s Honor Guard.

Russell will be interred at McClure Cemetery in Big Run. 

 Service Information