David Adams

April 6, 2011

TRAVERSE CITY — David R. Adams, 83, of Traverse City, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. David was born Sept. 11, 1927, in Coleman, to the late Roy S. and Ella (Haskins) Adams. After graduation from Clare High School in 1946, David served in the United States Army in Japan. He married Barbara Chaffee, of Clare, in 1948; they were married for 53 years prior to her death in 2001. In 1950, David returned to the United States Army, serving honorably in Korea. After his time in the service, he returned to Clare and worked in various accounting positions before going to work for the city of Clare. David was the City Manager in Clare for nine years, and was involved with numerous municipal projects. In 1965, he joined what is now Gourdie Fraser and Associates, moving the family from Clare to Traverse City. He was a Principal and Comptroller at GFA for 25 years until his retirement in 1990. Locally, he was a member of the Elks, the VFW and the Moose club in Traverse City.Surviving David are his sons, Michael, of Suttons Bay, and Steven, of Traverse City; Steven's wife, Sally (English); and his grandsons, Joseph and John. David had eight brothers and sisters, Harold, Bill, Clarence, Donnie, Ellen, Arlene, Anna and Gerry. His younger brother, Clarence, of Reed City, was his lifelong best friend. Clarence also served in the United States Army in Korea; they returned there together in 2000 for a celebration of 50 years of South Korean freedom and independence. David's proudest accomplishment was his service to our country.David was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara; and his brother, Harold.Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a visitation held one hour prior. Tim Moeggenberg will preside. Inurnment will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cherryland VFW Post 2780. Please sign David's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.