The heavens opened and the angels sang to welcome William Elwyn Adams home on June 19, 2021. Elwyn, of Deshler, passed away peacefully at The Legacy, Findlay, one month shy of his 95th birthday. We can all rest assured that when Elwyn met his Father he heard “Well done good and faithful servant.” Elwyn was a strong Christian and desired his family to join him in heaven someday.
Elwyn, as he was known, was born on July 20, 1926 in Hanco*ck County, to John Adams and Sylvia (Leader) Adams. Elwyn graduated from McComb High School and joined the Army after graduation. He married Mildred (Walker) Adams on August 14, 1948. Together they created a Christian home that set an example for generations to come. Elwyn and Mildred were married for 43 years, until her death in 1991. They raised three daughters, Peggy, Arlene, and Sally and a son, Greg. Following Mildred’s death, Elwyn was married to Dorothy Taylor from December 7, 1992 until her death in 1999. He married his third wife, Opal Katherine (Hanes) November 11, 2000 and they remained married until her death in 2015.
Elwyn’s love and talent for music was enjoyed by anyone who was blessed to hear him. He sang for many weddings, including those of his daughters and his granddaughter, as well as for other family and friends. He also sang in a quartet and various choirs at church, both at Oakdale and in Florida where he spent the winter. If Elwyn wasn’t singing, he was whistling. His whistling came naturally and would often be what awakened anyone who stayed in his home. A cheery, happy whistle started each day off right and would continue throughout the day.
Elwyn spent his life serving the Lord. He was a member of the Oakdale United Methodist Church throughout his entire life. As a member of Oakdale, Elwyn led hymns, taught Sunday school and held many positions in the church. He and Mildred were part of a Sunday School class at the church and they often hosted get-togethers at their house for the class. In addition to serving the Lord, Elwyn also served his country in WWII as a T5 in the US Army where he was stationed in Japan from 1944-1945. He was anxious to get back home to the farm which he loved. Elwyn was a farmer throughout his life and farmed land for his in-laws in addition to acreage that he and Mildred owned. He also enjoyed gardening and would put out a huge garden and then work throughout the summer to can and freeze food for the winter. He passed this on to his children and grandchildren.
If Elwyn wasn’t working in the fields, the apple orchard or the garden, he was in his wood shop. He was a master at wood-working and carpentry. He loved to buy antique furniture that no one wanted due to missing pieces. He would go home and make pieces that looked just like the rest and restored the item to its original beauty. Many were blessed by the work of Elwyn’s hands. Elwyn could fix or figure out anything. It seemed he had all the answers and perhaps he really did. Elwyn loved animals, too, and would often share his love of God’s creatures and nature with his grand-children, including his dogs, his pet raccoon and his love of fresh, homemade turtle soup.
Elwyn was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sylvia Adams, brother Howard Adams, Rossford, and sisters Eloise Buhler, Marion and Roxie Lauck, Deshler and son-in-law Doug Dukes. He is survived by his daughters, Peggy Dukes, Arlene (Milo) George, Sally (Tracy) Reed and his son, Greg (Tricia) Adams. He is also survived by his brothers, Kenneth Adams, Rawson, and Roger Adams, Deshler and his sisters, Marilyn Keys, Portage and Mary Ellen Wines, Temperance, MI.
Elwyn adored his 15 grandchildren. They adored him as deeply and always wanted to sit next to him at meals, though the granddaughters typically got that coveted spot. Elwyn also had 17 great-grandchildren, one of whom shares his name. Elwyn loved all children. He could quiet any crying baby and children seemed to be drawn to him.
He was a collector of cast iron banks. He would often search for them at flea markets and auctions or receive them as gifts. And some might say he was also a collector of old Cadillacs. At one time he had three stored in barns on the farm. Elwyn enjoyed vacationing in Florida and some of the family’s most treasured memories are rooted in family vacations on the beach.
Elwyn was loved and admired by many. He had a smile that impacted people in significant ways and loved to laugh with others. Many remember him as always having a hug to share and a smile. He was an example of a Godly man, husband and father to all who were blessed to know him. And some might even consider him a Hero.
Visitation will be Monday, June 28, 2021, from 10 AM until the time of his funeral service at 1:00 PM in the Hanneman Funeral Home, 370 Park Dr S., McComb, Ohio 45858. Internment to follow at the McComb Union Cemetery, where Military honors will be rendered by the Hanco*ck County Memorial Squad. Service will be livestreamed on the Hanneman Funeral Home Findlay & McComb Facebook Page.
Memorial donations may be made to Oakdale United Methodist Church, 24994 Hanco*ck Wood County Line Rd., Deshler, Ohio 43516.
Online condolences, as well as a fond memory may be shared with Elwyn’s family by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com
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