Kenneth J. Adams, Jr., 90 years of age, passed away peacefully early Monday morning April 27, 2020 in Keller, TX. He and his wife Wilma Jo, had lived with their daughter's family in Keller since the fall of 2014.

Ken was born August 27, 1929 in Excelsior Springs, MO as one of twin sons to Kenneth and Helen Adams. The family moved to Marysville, KS in 1939 where Ken grew up as an outdoorsman: fishing, hunting, and spending time with his friends and brothers Kerm and Art. He and his twin brother Kerm were outstanding Marysville High School football players for four years on a state championship team that was undefeated for 28 games.

The day after his graduation in 1948, Ken went to work for SW Bell (AT&T) until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1951. Ken served our country with pride for 21 months mostly on the front lines as a radio operator in Korea. He and his twin brother spent the entire time together in the same platoon until their honorable discharge in December 1952.

Immediately after military service, Ken returned to work for SW Bell in Olathe, KS. Soon he met Wilma Jo Diller who became his loving wife of 65 years. Ken's 34-year career with SW Bell included work as a lineman, installer-repairman, and later in management as wire chief and district construction foreman. His job required him to move to several Kansas locations including Arkansas City, Eureka, Wichita, Pratt, Garden City, Parsons, and finally Hays where he retired in 1981.

In retirement, Ken and Wilma Jo made their home in Manhattan, KS. As a volunteer, Ken repaired Talking Books for the Blind for 12 years. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, VFW, American Legion, Telephone Pioneers, Marysville Masonic Lodge, and Blue Valley Memorial United Methodist Church.

Ken was a generous, selfless man who always put his family first. He was strong-willed, compassionate, reliable, and steadfast. He was the rock who anchored his family. Throughout his life, Ken could usually be found outdoors fishing, appreciating wildlife, birdwatching, and visiting with friends. He and Wilma Jo found pleasure spending time on the family farm in Atlanta, KS growing a garden and sharing their produce with family and friends. He was very handy and could build or fix anything he set his mind to. Ken was always ready to help his neighbors with projects and humbly received a neighborhood gratitude plaque. He gave much to many and asked for little in return. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his daughter Ronda and husband Dave of Keller, TX, and son Mike and wife Marilene, of Tulsa, OK, his older brother Arthur W. of Salina, KS, four grandchildren, Tyler Bennett, Lauren Bennett, Michael Adams, and Wesley Adams and four great grandchildren.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Jo, his parents Kenneth and Helen Adams and his twin brother Kerm Adams.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at the Atlanta Cemetery in Atlanta, Kansas on Friday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m with Pastor Dave Smith officiating.

The family will greet friends during a visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield, Kansas.

Memorial funds in memory of Kenneth are suggested to the Telephone Pioneers of America or Blue Valley Memorial United Methodist Church in Manhattan, KS. Contributions may be left in care of Miles Funeral Service, P.O. Box 720, Winfield, KS 67156.