Nathaniel (Nate) H. Adams 76 of Springfield, Missouri went home to be with his Heavenly Father on January 8, 2021 at home surrounded by his family.
Nathaniel (Nate) H. Adams was born on November 30, 1944, in Santa Monica, California; the
second son of the late Kenneth (Sonny) Adams Sr. and late Rosemary Adams (Coleman).
He was a 1962 graduate of Central High School. On April 27, 1965 Nate enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 4 years. Nate and Pearl were united in marriage on July 2, 1974 in Springfield, Missouri. He went on to graduate from Drury University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.
Nate started his career with IBM in Springfield. During his stay in Springfield he was very influential and active with the youth in the community and coached little league basketball and football for several years.
As Nate climbed the corporate ladder with IBM he was relocated to Grandview, Mo. where the family lived for 8 years. Then transferred to Indianapolis, IN for 2 years. There he was part of the Community Outreach Program for Youth. He was promoted to Harrisburg, PA in 1987. He continued to be involved with the local youth programs as well as coaching his daughters Kenya and Natalie in basketball and track. He was always actively involved in helping to develop youth to their utmost potential.
In 1990 Nate relocated to Rochester, MN. While there he was the President of the local NAACP chapter. As an alumnus of the Boys and Girls Club, Nate served as a member of the Board of Directors throughout the years. He was a member of the Rochester Gang Commission, during which he mentored youth, encouraging them to "stop the violence." As a Diversity Advocate he received the Individual Human Rights Award presented to him at the "I Have a Dream Breakfast" in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. After retirement of over 30 years with IBM, Nate and Pearl moved back to their Hometown of Springfield, Missouri. Upon his return he began a new career as a Federal Counselor with Alpha House from 2002 until 2017.
On October 6, 2010 a plane crashed near the Alpha House. Nate cleared an 8 ft fence to reach the burning aircraft. Due to his immediate response, the life of Thelma Vanhooser was spared.
Whether in dramatic instances like this or more mundane situations, Nate Adams was truly an EveryDay Hero.
Nate leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife Pearl Adams of Springfield, MO, his siblings Kenneth Adams Jr. (Claudia) of Las Vegas,NV, Erma Williams of Las Vegas, NV, Jean Avery of Augusta, GA, Lana (Cornelius Perry Jr.) of Belleville, IL, Craig Bright of Palo Alto, CA, and Christopher Bright (Phyllis) of Union, CA. His lifetime friend and "Ace Boom Koon" Denny Whayne of Springfield, Mo. His daughters Cerita Henderson (Steve) of Steelton, PA, Katina Looney, Kenya Adams and Natalie Adams all of Springfield, MO. He leaves 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by brothers Larry and Sheddick (Rick) Bright and sister Roslyn Coleman. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 14, 2021 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, followed by funeral service Friday January 15, 2021 at 10:30 AM in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. A private burial will take place at Missouri Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. Obituary will be added soon.
