Roger Adams

March 23, 1950 - March 7, 2016

Roger Douglas Adams, 65, of Ruth, passed into the arms of his God early on Monday, March 7, 2016 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Roger is survived by his wife and soulmate, Joann (Gidcomb) Adams; his daughter, Sarah; his son, Jon; daughter-in-law Rachel, grandchildren Abby and Maddy and family pet Benji. He leaves behind a sister, Sharon (Doug) Ferry; two brothers, David and Gordon (Gala) and sister-in-law Tammy Adams. Roger is also survived by: Frank and Ava (Gidcomb) Hatch, Bryan and Rachel Gidcomb, many nieces and nephews; family friends Nina and Larry Long and Andrea Abke; dear friends/co-workers and clients at Sanilac County Community Mental Health, along with friends and adopted family in communities like Bad Axe, Cass City, Crystal Falls, Garden City, Hetherton, Iron River, Newport, Ruth, Sandusky, South Lyon and South Rockwood. Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Hyle and Berniece (Norway) Adams; his brother, Bob; his brother-in-law, Hal and his father-in-law, Don. Roger was born in Detroit on March 23, 1950. He graduated from Garden City High School and went on to receive his Bachelor of Religious Education degree from Detroit Bible College. In 1973, Roger married the love of his life, Joann. They had two children, Sarah and Jon. Roger began his career as a Minister of Music and Youth at First Baptist Church of South Lyon, followed by a long and productive career as a pastor, touching many lives all over the state. In 1995, he began a new career in social work. It was a career of caring for others that culminated with his work at Sanilac County Community Mental Health, a workplace community he cherished until he was unable to continue working in 2015 due to his illness. Roger enjoyed reading books on world philosophies, religion and history. He loved spending time in nature and watching documentaries. He enjoyed singing and composing music. He loved writing and had several manuscripts in the works which he planned to devote himself to during retirement. He served as an elder at Hetherton Reformed Presbyterian Church and performed weddings all over the state. Perhaps his greatest joy was serving as Santa Claus to so many boys and girls throughout the area. He drew the attention of children wherever he went, even when he wasn’t wearing his traditional Holiday suit, and he always made sure to remind the young (and the young at heart) about the importance of the spirit of Christmas, giving to others, and making the world a better place. Services will be held on Friday March 11, 2016 at 1 pm. at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Friends may call at the Kaufman Funeral Home on Thursday from 3-8 pm or Friday from noon until the service time at 1 pm. Memorial donations can be made to the family at www.youcaring.com under “Roger Adams Memorial Fund.”