Alfred Ernest Adams Jr. was born at home on Christmas Eve, December 24th 1943. At the time, his parents and three sisters lived in Topeka, Kansas, in a railroad passenger car, which had been converted into their home. He was the first of two sons born to Alfred Ernest Adams Sr. and Alice Sutter Adams. For his entire life, the parents' large extended families and their new generations referred to him by the nickname "Sonny." People other than those family members called him "Al."
Al grew up living across the street from Rochester Elementary and was a 1961 graduate of Seaman High School. (His class recently celebrated their 50-year reunion.) Education was encouraged by his mother, who was a master elementary teacher in Tecumseh, Kansas. Al graduated from Washburn University of Topeka, earning a Bachelor of Business degree.
During high school and early college years, Al developed interests in music and cars. He played lead saxophone in the Seaman High School Band and the Washburn University Band. For awhile, he played in the Topeka Jazz Workshop and also in a professional dance band, which entertained weekly at local dancehalls, such as Topeka's Meadow Acres Ballroom. In later years, Al played in the Arab Shrine Marching Band. He enjoyed all music, but especially jazz and big band sound.
In 1965, Al began his lifetime career with the emerging field of computers in the business world. He was employed in computer operations at Security Benefit Life Insurance for only four years, then as a computer programmer and analyst at the State of Kansas Department of Administration for eleven years. In 1980, Al went to work as a Senior Systems Engineer at the Santa Fe Railway general office. Eventually, over a hundred BNSF employees of the mainframe computer department were contracted to IBM. At the time of his death, Al was still employed full-time by IBM supporting data base software of the BNSF Railway.
While working for the Kansas government, Al fell in love with a fellow programmer. He married the former Connie Bloomquist on January 27, 1973. That same year, they purchased a home in Topeka's historic neighborhood known as Potwin Place and became members of Grace Episcopal Cathedral. In those two places, they raised their three children: Samantha, Michael, and Edward. Al and Connie were constantly involved in the daily activities of their children and grandchildren.
Throughout Al's life, his main hobby was with cars. He was an expert at mechanical problem diagnosis and all types of repairs, claiming to own every automotive tool. He was a fan of speed, especially dirt track racing. During race seasons, he attended car races twice weekly at Lakeside in Kansas City, and at ThunderHill or Heartland Park in Topeka. He also really enjoyed driving trips with his wife. He and Connie drove in almost every state in the continental United States.
Al was a spiritual man. He was grateful to God for the specific life he was given and all wonderful opportunities he experienced. He was a longtime active member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with membership in Hoyt Lodge #327 AF&AM, Wakarusa Lodge #402 AF&AM, Topeka York Rite Bodies, Topeka Scottish Rite, and Arab Shrine A.A.O.N.M.S.
On Friday, July 29, 2011, Al Adams passed away peacefully at home in Connie's arms. He was 67 years old. Only ten months earlier, he began chemotherapy treatments to fight an incurable form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He rarely acted or appeared sick, so his quick death was a surprise to most people but a true blessing for his family. During Al's final two days, their children and nurses of Grace Hospice assisted Connie.
Al is survived by his wife Connie at their Potwin home in Topeka; their three children: Samantha Adams of Osage City, Michael (Farnaz) Adams of Overland Park, and Edward (Rochelle) of Topeka; seven grandchildren: Elissa and Krista Porter of Osage City, Aleigha Adams of Overland Park, and Ashley Porter (Jay Berge), Tyler Renbarger, Nathan and Brock Adams all of Topeka; and two great-grandsons: Evan and Braxton Berge of Topeka. Three of Al's siblings survive: Nancy Thomson of Columbus Indiana (formerly resided in Manhattan KS), Ernestine Adams of Tecumseh, and Alvin (Dorothy) Adams of Manhattan. Also surviving is Connie's mother: Margaret Bloomquist of Topeka, six nieces & nephews, numerous cousins, and a lot of friends.
Al was loved and respected by many people; family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. His dry sense of humor, various skills & talents, generosity, and especially his very gifted intellect will be remembered and sorely missed by all who had been blessed by the life of Al Adams.
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 3, 2011, in Grace Cathedral, located at 8th and Polk streets in Topeka. Following the service (approximately an hour) all guests will be invited downstairs to a luncheon where Al's family can meet or visit with everyone. Inurnment of remains will be in the chapel area columbarium also located downstairs. Memorial donations may be sent to Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66603-3219. Future donations of blood to any blood bank would honor Al's memory. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family.
Al grew up living across the street from Rochester Elementary and was a 1961 graduate of Seaman High School. (His class recently celebrated their 50-year reunion.) Education was encouraged by his mother, who was a master elementary teacher in Tecumseh, Kansas. Al graduated from Washburn University of Topeka, earning a Bachelor of Business degree.
During high school and early college years, Al developed interests in music and cars. He played lead saxophone in the Seaman High School Band and the Washburn University Band. For awhile, he played in the Topeka Jazz Workshop and also in a professional dance band, which entertained weekly at local dancehalls, such as Topeka's Meadow Acres Ballroom. In later years, Al played in the Arab Shrine Marching Band. He enjoyed all music, but especially jazz and big band sound.
In 1965, Al began his lifetime career with the emerging field of computers in the business world. He was employed in computer operations at Security Benefit Life Insurance for only four years, then as a computer programmer and analyst at the State of Kansas Department of Administration for eleven years. In 1980, Al went to work as a Senior Systems Engineer at the Santa Fe Railway general office. Eventually, over a hundred BNSF employees of the mainframe computer department were contracted to IBM. At the time of his death, Al was still employed full-time by IBM supporting data base software of the BNSF Railway.
While working for the Kansas government, Al fell in love with a fellow programmer. He married the former Connie Bloomquist on January 27, 1973. That same year, they purchased a home in Topeka's historic neighborhood known as Potwin Place and became members of Grace Episcopal Cathedral. In those two places, they raised their three children: Samantha, Michael, and Edward. Al and Connie were constantly involved in the daily activities of their children and grandchildren.
Throughout Al's life, his main hobby was with cars. He was an expert at mechanical problem diagnosis and all types of repairs, claiming to own every automotive tool. He was a fan of speed, especially dirt track racing. During race seasons, he attended car races twice weekly at Lakeside in Kansas City, and at ThunderHill or Heartland Park in Topeka. He also really enjoyed driving trips with his wife. He and Connie drove in almost every state in the continental United States.
Al was a spiritual man. He was grateful to God for the specific life he was given and all wonderful opportunities he experienced. He was a longtime active member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with membership in Hoyt Lodge #327 AF&AM, Wakarusa Lodge #402 AF&AM, Topeka York Rite Bodies, Topeka Scottish Rite, and Arab Shrine A.A.O.N.M.S.
On Friday, July 29, 2011, Al Adams passed away peacefully at home in Connie's arms. He was 67 years old. Only ten months earlier, he began chemotherapy treatments to fight an incurable form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He rarely acted or appeared sick, so his quick death was a surprise to most people but a true blessing for his family. During Al's final two days, their children and nurses of Grace Hospice assisted Connie.
Al is survived by his wife Connie at their Potwin home in Topeka; their three children: Samantha Adams of Osage City, Michael (Farnaz) Adams of Overland Park, and Edward (Rochelle) of Topeka; seven grandchildren: Elissa and Krista Porter of Osage City, Aleigha Adams of Overland Park, and Ashley Porter (Jay Berge), Tyler Renbarger, Nathan and Brock Adams all of Topeka; and two great-grandsons: Evan and Braxton Berge of Topeka. Three of Al's siblings survive: Nancy Thomson of Columbus Indiana (formerly resided in Manhattan KS), Ernestine Adams of Tecumseh, and Alvin (Dorothy) Adams of Manhattan. Also surviving is Connie's mother: Margaret Bloomquist of Topeka, six nieces & nephews, numerous cousins, and a lot of friends.
Al was loved and respected by many people; family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. His dry sense of humor, various skills & talents, generosity, and especially his very gifted intellect will be remembered and sorely missed by all who had been blessed by the life of Al Adams.
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 3, 2011, in Grace Cathedral, located at 8th and Polk streets in Topeka. Following the service (approximately an hour) all guests will be invited downstairs to a luncheon where Al's family can meet or visit with everyone. Inurnment of remains will be in the chapel area columbarium also located downstairs. Memorial donations may be sent to Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66603-3219. Future donations of blood to any blood bank would honor Al's memory. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family.
Alfred Ernest Adams Jr. was born at home on Christmas Eve, December 24th 1943. At the time, his parents and three sisters lived in Topeka, Kansas, in a railroad passenger car, which had been converted into their home. He was the first of two sons born to Alfred Ernest Adams Sr. and Alice Sutter Adams. For his entire life, the parents' large extended families and their new generations referred to him by the nickname "Sonny." People other than those family members called him "Al."
Al grew up living across the street from Rochester Elementary and was a 1961 graduate of Seaman High School. (His class recently celebrated their 50-year reunion.) Education was encouraged by his mother, who was a master elementary teacher in Tecumseh, Kansas. Al graduated from Washburn University of Topeka, earning a Bachelor of Business degree.
During high school and early college years, Al developed interests in music and cars. He played lead saxophone in the Seaman High School Band and the Washburn University Band. For awhile, he played in the Topeka Jazz Workshop and also in a professional dance band, which entertained weekly at local dancehalls, such as Topeka's Meadow Acres Ballroom. In later years, Al played in the Arab Shrine Marching Band. He enjoyed all music, but especially jazz and big band sound.
In 1965, Al began his lifetime career with the emerging field of computers in the business world. He was employed in computer operations at Security Benefit Life Insurance for only four years, then as a computer programmer and analyst at the State of Kansas Department of Administration for eleven years. In 1980, Al went to work as a Senior Systems Engineer at the Santa Fe Railway general office. Eventually, over a hundred BNSF employees of the mainframe computer department were contracted to IBM. At the time of his death, Al was still employed full-time by IBM supporting data base software of the BNSF Railway.
While working for the Kansas government, Al fell in love with a fellow programmer. He married the former Connie Bloomquist on January 27, 1973. That same year, they purchased a home in Topeka's historic neighborhood known as Potwin Place and became members of Grace Episcopal Cathedral. In those two places, they raised their three children: Samantha, Michael, and Edward. Al and Connie were constantly involved in the daily activities of their children and grandchildren.
Throughout Al's life, his main hobby was with cars. He was an expert at mechanical problem diagnosis and all types of repairs, claiming to own every automotive tool. He was a fan of speed, especially dirt track racing. During race seasons, he attended car races twice weekly at Lakeside in Kansas City, and at ThunderHill or Heartland Park in Topeka. He also really enjoyed driving trips with his wife. He and Connie drove in almost every state in the continental United States.
Al was a spiritual man. He was grateful to God for the specific life he was given and all wonderful opportunities he experienced. He was a longtime active member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with membership in Hoyt Lodge #327 AF&AM, Wakarusa Lodge #402 AF&AM, Topeka York Rite Bodies, Topeka Scottish Rite, and Arab Shrine A.A.O.N.M.S.
On Friday, July 29, 2011, Al Adams passed away peacefully at home in Connie's arms. He was 67 years old. Only ten months earlier, he began chemotherapy treatments to fight an incurable form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He rarely acted or appeared sick, so his quick death was a surprise to most people but a true blessing for his family. During Al's final two days, their children and nurses of Grace Hospice assisted Connie.
Al is survived by his wife Connie at their Potwin home in Topeka; their three children: Samantha Adams of Osage City, Michael (Farnaz) Adams of Overland Park, and Edward (Rochelle) of Topeka; seven grandchildren: Elissa and Krista Porter of Osage City, Aleigha Adams of Overland Park, and Ashley Porter (Jay Berge), Tyler Renbarger, Nathan and Brock Adams all of Topeka; and two great-grandsons: Evan and Braxton Berge of Topeka. Three of Al's siblings survive: Nancy Thomson of Columbus Indiana (formerly resided in Manhattan KS), Ernestine Adams of Tecumseh, and Alvin (Dorothy) Adams of Manhattan. Also surviving is Connie's mother: Margaret Bloomquist of Topeka, six nieces & nephews, numerous cousins, and a lot of friends.
Al was loved and respected by many people; family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. His dry sense of humor, various skills & talents, generosity, and especially his very gifted intellect will be remembered and sorely missed by all who had been blessed by the life of Al Adams.
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 3, 2011, in Grace Cathedral, located at 8th and Polk streets in Topeka. Following the service (approximately an hour) all guests will be invited downstairs to a luncheon where Al's family can meet or visit with everyone. Inurnment of remains will be in the chapel area columbarium also located downstairs. Memorial donations may be sent to Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66603-3219. Future donations of blood to any blood bank would honor Al's memory. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family.
Al grew up living across the street from Rochester Elementary and was a 1961 graduate of Seaman High School. (His class recently celebrated their 50-year reunion.) Education was encouraged by his mother, who was a master elementary teacher in Tecumseh, Kansas. Al graduated from Washburn University of Topeka, earning a Bachelor of Business degree.
During high school and early college years, Al developed interests in music and cars. He played lead saxophone in the Seaman High School Band and the Washburn University Band. For awhile, he played in the Topeka Jazz Workshop and also in a professional dance band, which entertained weekly at local dancehalls, such as Topeka's Meadow Acres Ballroom. In later years, Al played in the Arab Shrine Marching Band. He enjoyed all music, but especially jazz and big band sound.
In 1965, Al began his lifetime career with the emerging field of computers in the business world. He was employed in computer operations at Security Benefit Life Insurance for only four years, then as a computer programmer and analyst at the State of Kansas Department of Administration for eleven years. In 1980, Al went to work as a Senior Systems Engineer at the Santa Fe Railway general office. Eventually, over a hundred BNSF employees of the mainframe computer department were contracted to IBM. At the time of his death, Al was still employed full-time by IBM supporting data base software of the BNSF Railway.
While working for the Kansas government, Al fell in love with a fellow programmer. He married the former Connie Bloomquist on January 27, 1973. That same year, they purchased a home in Topeka's historic neighborhood known as Potwin Place and became members of Grace Episcopal Cathedral. In those two places, they raised their three children: Samantha, Michael, and Edward. Al and Connie were constantly involved in the daily activities of their children and grandchildren.
Throughout Al's life, his main hobby was with cars. He was an expert at mechanical problem diagnosis and all types of repairs, claiming to own every automotive tool. He was a fan of speed, especially dirt track racing. During race seasons, he attended car races twice weekly at Lakeside in Kansas City, and at ThunderHill or Heartland Park in Topeka. He also really enjoyed driving trips with his wife. He and Connie drove in almost every state in the continental United States.
Al was a spiritual man. He was grateful to God for the specific life he was given and all wonderful opportunities he experienced. He was a longtime active member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with membership in Hoyt Lodge #327 AF&AM, Wakarusa Lodge #402 AF&AM, Topeka York Rite Bodies, Topeka Scottish Rite, and Arab Shrine A.A.O.N.M.S.
On Friday, July 29, 2011, Al Adams passed away peacefully at home in Connie's arms. He was 67 years old. Only ten months earlier, he began chemotherapy treatments to fight an incurable form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He rarely acted or appeared sick, so his quick death was a surprise to most people but a true blessing for his family. During Al's final two days, their children and nurses of Grace Hospice assisted Connie.
Al is survived by his wife Connie at their Potwin home in Topeka; their three children: Samantha Adams of Osage City, Michael (Farnaz) Adams of Overland Park, and Edward (Rochelle) of Topeka; seven grandchildren: Elissa and Krista Porter of Osage City, Aleigha Adams of Overland Park, and Ashley Porter (Jay Berge), Tyler Renbarger, Nathan and Brock Adams all of Topeka; and two great-grandsons: Evan and Braxton Berge of Topeka. Three of Al's siblings survive: Nancy Thomson of Columbus Indiana (formerly resided in Manhattan KS), Ernestine Adams of Tecumseh, and Alvin (Dorothy) Adams of Manhattan. Also surviving is Connie's mother: Margaret Bloomquist of Topeka, six nieces & nephews, numerous cousins, and a lot of friends.
Al was loved and respected by many people; family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. His dry sense of humor, various skills & talents, generosity, and especially his very gifted intellect will be remembered and sorely missed by all who had been blessed by the life of Al Adams.
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 3, 2011, in Grace Cathedral, located at 8th and Polk streets in Topeka. Following the service (approximately an hour) all guests will be invited downstairs to a luncheon where Al's family can meet or visit with everyone. Inurnment of remains will be in the chapel area columbarium also located downstairs. Memorial donations may be sent to Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66603-3219. Future donations of blood to any blood bank would honor Al's memory. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family.
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