Richard B. Adams, 87, of Galesburg, died at 8:53 p.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 in the emergency room of OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
He was born January 10, 1930, in Galesburg, the son of Everett K. and Mildred G. (Faulkner) Adams. He married Dorothy I. Boynton on May 8, 1954, in Galesburg.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Dorothy; two sons, Michael N. (Dianna) Adams of Knoxville and Dr. James K. (Kelly) Adams of Peoria; a daughter, Cynthia K. (Robert) Cannon of Galesburg; two grandsons, Michael C. (Courtney) Adams and Steven A. (Hannah) Godsil; and one great grandchild on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Mary Way, Nell Rose Knowles, and Cecile Adams.
Richard began working for the CB&Q Railroad as a fireman on December 31, 1951. He went on to become an engineer, a road foreman, a master mechanic, and finally regional superintendent of locomotives before retiring June 1, 1987 from Burlington Northern Railroad.
He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1947 and attended the University of Illinois. Richard was of Methodist faith, had been a Mason since 1953, and was a member of the Galesburg Railroad Museum. He enjoyed gardening and maintained a yard that belonged in Better Homes and Gardens. He dearly loved his family and was a wonderful father.
Richard served in the United States Army for two years in Korea. He participated in the Invasion of Inchon, the Battle of Seoul, and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
Cremation will be accorded. Private family graveside service will be Tuesday, January 2, 2018 in Wataga Cemetery. Rev. Rick Warren will officiate. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Galesburg Railroad Museum. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg is handling arrangements for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
