Bill ADAMS

Bill Adams, 79, passed away on January 12, 2005 in Lake Havasu City, AZ. He was born on December 30, 1925 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 1937 he and his family moved to California, where they settled on Ontario, CA. They lived there for 2 years and then moved to Lynwood, CA. Bill attended school in Compton, CA. After completing high school, Bill was called to duty in the U.S. Army. He was sent to Europe and served as a combat infantryman in the 261st Infantry for 2 years. Bill was awarded a Bronze Star Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. After the war, Bill moved to Paradise, CA and there he met his future wife Gwen Reynolds. After marrying in 1948, Bill and Gwen moved to South Gate, CA where they lived for 23 years. In 1954 Bill joined the South Gate Fire Department. In the early 60’s Bill was made Captain. In 1975, South Gate Fire Department joined L.A. County and there Bill Worked as Captain in San Dimas, CA at station 64 until his retirement in 1978. After residing in Orange County, Lake Arrowhead and Apple Valley, Bill and his wife settled to Lake Havasu City, where they had been vacationing with family and friends since 1961. They enjoyed retirement traveling in their motor home, boating on Lake Havasu with their grandchildren and visiting Switzerland. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Gwen, daughters Christine Collins and husband Bill of Anaheim, CA; Cynthia Stump of Switzerland and son Steven Adams of Youngtown, AZ; grandchildren Lindsey and Ryan of Anaheim, CA; James of Arizona, Vivien, Billie-Jo and Cody-Lee of Switzerland, great grandchildren Kaitlyn and Samantha of Arizona; brothers Paul Adams and wife Anita of Bakersfield, CA; Ron Adams and wife Barbara of Tehachapi, CA; sisters Barbara Shaw and husband Ted of Grand Junction, CO; Pat Ladiner of Bakersfield, CA; Kaye Dunster and husband Ken of Brentwood, CA; Jeannette Barringer and husband David of Tehachapi, CA; and Kathy Adams of Hayward, CA; along with nieces, nephews and family. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Stuart and Hazel Adams; brother Gene Adams and sister Darlene Adams. A service will be held at Lietz-Fraze Chapel on Saturday, January 22, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. with Fire Chaplain Tom Dunham officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations may be made in Bill’s name to Hospice of Havasu, P.O.Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ, 86405. Arrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.