Kent J AdamsKent J Adams, of Winona Lake, passed away peacefully at 5 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, at St. Joseph Health System-Mishawaka Medical Center in Mishawaka at the age of 85. Kent’s career in public service has included a wide range of positions, and up until his death he served as the clerk-treasurer for the town of Winona Lake.
He was born on Aug. 6, 1936, in Warsaw, to Mary Margaret Herri Adams and Roy T Adams. Kent was a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, where he was a 1955 graduate of Warsaw High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Manchester College, Master of Arts from Ball State University and Ed.D. from Walden University and Indiana University.
On Dec. 20, 1959, he married Nancy Carol Albert and together they were blessed with raising five children and shared 61 years of marriage together before she passed away on Jan. 11, 2021. After they were married, Kent and Nancy raised their family in Bremen, living there for nearly 32 years before returning to Warsaw. He kept active in their church and volunteered at Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, as well as always being very involved in the community he loved dearly.
Kent held many roles throughout his life … being an investigator for Travelers Insurance Company, a trooper for the Indiana State Police, an agent for the FBI, teacher and coach for Warsaw Community Schools, principal for Concord Community Schools, Clark Pleasant Schools and Bremen Public Schools. He was the past assistant superintendent for Goshen Community Schools, associate superintendent of School City in Mishawaka, director of finance for Warsaw Community Schools, trustee for German Township in Marshall County, member of the Indiana General Assembly (House 1988-1992) (Senate 1992-2004), retiring from the State Senate in 2004. Kent also served as the community relations person for Dalton Corporation and was the former treasurer of Kosciusko County. Most recently, he had been serving as the clerk-treasurer of Winona Lake. Even though he never actually retired, he enjoyed time with his family and attending their games and events.
Kent was also a longtime member of the Warsaw Rotary Club, received the honor of being the recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, member of the Indiana Historical Society, Kosciusko County Historical Society, former member of the Grace College Board of Trustees, Kosciusko County Retired Teachers Association, member of the Bowen Center for Human Services Board of Directors and Warsaw Community Development Corporation Board of Directors. Kent was the recipient of the Kosciusko County Right to Life Mary Louise Lowe Life Award, Indiana Chamber of Commerce Small Business Champion, Indiana House of Representatives Outstanding Freshman Legislator and the Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce Government Excellence Award.
A man of faith and action, “Onward and Upward” was one of Kent’s often shared statements throughout life to encourage others. He lived a long and full life, and shared all of his accomplishments with the people he loved most in his life … his family. Kent was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many who will be dearly missed by all.
He will be lovingly remembered by his three sons: Kent (Robin) Adams II, Monticello; Greg (Carol) Adams, Wakarusa; Mark Adams, Issaquah, Wash.; two daughters: Carol (Doug) Jennings, Logansport; and Leah Ann (James) Self, Noblesville. Also surviving are his beloved 19 grandchildren: Jordan, Betsy, Abby, Gretchen, Amy, Jacob, Herschel and Wyatt Adams; Kate (Alex) Brovont; Lacey (Clif) Biczo; Holly (Brian) Moore; Shannon (Bobby) Rickert; Jared (Kortney) Jennings; Rachel, Whitney and Matthew Jennings; Hannah (Brock) Trusty; and Eli and Lydia Self; eight great-grandchildren: Amelia, Adam and Asher Lake; Caedance, Cara and Bryant Biczo; Naomi Moore and Logan Rickert. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy Carol Adams; brother, Don Adams; and two sisters: Norma (John) Pinkerton and Margery (Leonard) Kintzel.
Kent’s life will be celebrated at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Tom Miller. Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 12 to 4 p.m. Kent will be laid to rest next to his wife, Nancy, at a later date at Leesburg Cemetery in Leesburg.
Memorial donations may be directed to Right to Life of North Central Indiana, P.O. Box 1162, Warsaw, IN 46581-1162; or to Kosciusko County Community Foundation, 102 E. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580 and in the memo line please write to be designated to the Miller Sunset Pavilion Capital Fund in Winona Lake.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
