Kent Adams Remembered As A Servant Of The PeopleIf ever there was an example of a “servant of the people,” those who knew Kent Adams would point to him.
Adams – who died Sunday at age 85 – was the Winona Lake clerk-treasurer; a former Indiana State Police trooper and an FBI agent; a Warsaw Community Schools teacher, coach and school board member; a state senator and representative; county treasurer and so much more.
Winona Lake Council President Rick Swaim said Adams was a “lifelong servant. He cared about the residents, not only about those in the town, but also the county and state. He served in so many capacities it’s hard to number them all. He was just an amazing man.”
Swaim pointed out that Adams never took a raise while serving as clerk-treasurer. Adams was elected Winona Lake clerk-treasurer in 2011 to take office in 2012-15, and was re-elected for 2016-19 and 2020-23, according to the county clerk’s office.
“He was very much a servant. He will be missed,” Swaim said.
Northern District County Commissioner Brad Jackson said, “Kent was a true servant from his days of coaching to being a state police officer, two years in the Senate and then his most recent service to the town of Winona Lake. I’ll always remember him saying you’re preaching to the choir. Even when he was a state senator, he was humble and accessible. I know he was a man of faith as well. I will miss him.”
U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski said, "This weekend, I was sad to hear about the loss of former Indiana Sen. Kent Adams. Dean and I had the privilege of knowing Kent and his wife, Nancy, for decades. In Indianapolis and at home in northern Indiana, he was known as a gentle soul who was full of wisdom and always had a smile on his face. The Indiana State Senate was a better place when he was there. After decades of service to Hoosiers, Kent has left an incredible legacy in his beloved Kosciusko County and throughout Indiana. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Adams family and Kent's many colleagues, friends and loved ones."
Retired 18th District State Rep. Dave Wolkins said Adams was one of his closest friends. He said he was the most sincere, most well-prepared legislator and they worked together on a lot of issues.
Adams and Wolkins went into the state legislature together in 1988 and they became close friends. However, Wolkins said he watched Adams as a basketball player in 1954.
After Adams left the legislature, he, Adams and John Elliott got into politics helping people, Wolkins said.
“It’s a real loss. I felt bad when I heard he passed,” Wolkins said. “... He was well organized, well liked and good at everything he did.”
U.S. Rep. Jim Banks said, "I met Kent many years ago and knew him as a gentle, genuine public servant. He served in the Indiana Statehouse for 16 years and in local government, where he was a model statesman. Apart from politics, he was a dedicated member of several local organizations.
"Indiana is better for Kent's service, and he will be missed dearly. Our country needs more leaders like Kent, and I'm proud to have known him."
Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert said, “Kosciusko County and the state of Indiana lost a great statesman with the passing of Kent Adams. Throughout his many different governmental positions, his goals were always to enrich the lives of others and for the betterment of society. His wisdom came both in public legislative forums and also in private conversations of mentorship.”
Kosciusko County Republican Party Central Committee Chair Mike Ragan said, “The entire Republican party is saddened by his loss. He has been a leader for many, many years and he will be impossible to replace. He was a good friend and he will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our sympathies go out to the Winona Lake community and his family.”
At the start of the Warsaw Common Council meeting Monday night, Mayor Joe Thallemer remembered Adams.
“Kent did a lot of things. You see his obituary and it’s really lengthy and he was quite a servant to not only the community but the state as well. Well-liked and kind of a shock to see he passed away,” Thallemer said, asking Councilman Jeff Grose to remember Adams in his opening prayer, which he did.
In a telephone call earlier in the day, State Rep. Craig Snow said he knew Adams “mainly because of Winona Lake Days and that sort of thing. He was always encouraging to me and would reach out to me when I was on the Winona Lake board.”
Snow said Adams was a great example of being a servant and being a part of the community.
“I enjoyed Kent. I’m sorry to hear of his passing. But he is with his wife now and I’m happy for both of them. He was a great man,” Snow said.
No caucus to replace Adams as the Winona Lake clerk-treasurer will be scheduled until after Adams’ funeral services. Visitation is noon to 4 p.m. Sunday with funeral services following at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. He will be laid to rest next to his wife of 61 years, Nancy, at a later date at Leesburg Cemetery. She died Jan. 11, 2021.
They leave behind three sons, two daughters, 19 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, according to his obituary.
