Leslie Ronald Adair

Leslie Ronald Adair was the tenth child born to John Washington Adair and Cynthia Jane Penrod. His nickname was Snooks. He was born in Pinetop on May 8, 1914. He married Mildred Lilly on March 1, 1934, in Snowflake, Arizona. Mildred is the daughter of Wallace John Lilly and Pauline Coplan. They lived in Pinetop, and with the help of John Adair and Wallace Lilly, they built their own house, including some of the furniture.

Snooks worked for the Arizona State Highway Department driving a truck and operating equipment. He also worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps, or C.C.C. Camps, building roads, bridges, parks, and anything else used on public land.

Snooks boxed for money and was very good at it. One time his opponent did not show up for a match and Snooks asked the crowd if anyone would like to fight him. A big Native American volunteered to fight and the volunteer won. There were times during boxing matches that Snooks' manager would throw the towel in, and he would throw it out. Harry Branch, a family friend, wanted to train him, but Snooks spent very little time in training.

Snooks loved his kids, all seven of them: Delbert William, who was named after his Uncle Dell, Cleo, Gwendolyn, Ronald Edward, Ina Clair, Thelma Jean, and Lawrence Douglas. Snooks died on February 14, 1951, at the young age of thirty-six, in the Arizona State Hospital. Mildred was left with the task of raising six children, ranging from four to sixteen years of age.

Bio: Delbert Adair Jr.

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Lakeside Newspaper:

Beautiful funeral services were held in the LDS church here for Leslie Ronald Adair Friday, February 16. Bishop Roy Burke officiated. Burial was in the Pinetop Cemetery.

Services consisted of a song by the choir, "Sometime We'll Understand," followed by an invocation by Joseph Holiday. Speakers were Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Larson and Don L. Hansen. "I love you Truly" was sung by a trio consisting of Lamar Hall, Montez Burke, and Buena Hall. The benediction was by Augustus Hansen.

Pallbearers were Oren Lilly, R.G. Lilly, Max Lilly, Ernest McCabe, and Guy Adair. Dedication of the grave was offered by W.H. Larson.

"Snooks" Adair is survived by his wife Mildred Adair of Pinetop, and three sons and three daughters, as well as his aged parents.

He died suddenly in Phoenix on Feb 14 from a heart attack.

The deceased was born May 8, 1914, at Pinetop where he spent most of his life. He was married to Mildred Lilly of Lakeside and to this union seven children were born, six of whom are still living.