Vernon Floyd Adams

Vernon Floyd Adams, 79, passed away peacefully in Wenatchee WA, on October 31, his faithful wife of 57 years at his side. He was a beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather. Vernon was born February 28, 1939, in Liberty, Kentucky, the tenth of ten children to Maude (Lee) and Calvin Adams. Vern was known only as "Floyd" during his early years, leaving school after graduating 8th grade in the local one-room schoolhouse. At 16, he moved from his family's Kentucky farm to Lincoln, IL where he found work doing unskilled jobs. "Floyd" left Lincoln and enlisted as an infantry "grunt" in the Marine Corps in 1958 where Uncle Sam insisted his name was "Vernon". He earned his GED and after 2 years became a helicopter mechanic, crew chief & door gunner. His service took him from California to the Pacific Islands and the waters of the Panama Canal, the ocean surrounding Cuba during the Missile Crisis as well as the jungles of Vietnam twice. His eight years in the military charted a course for his life. He discovered a sense of peace while flying that sparked a lifelong love, particularly of small aircraft. The time outside of the small town confines widened his views and gifted him an appreciation for people of various backgrounds and values. Honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps in Southern California in 1966, he transitioned to civilian life utilizing his GI Bill to attend community college while working part-time and starting a family. With ambition and drive, he progressed to working high end retail jobs and later focused on business management and accounting. He aspired to be an executive and scheduled his days around notations in his DayTimer; he dressed for success and kept his fingernails clean. Work opportunities took him and his young family north, first to the San Francisco Bay Area and then to the Pacific Northwest, settling in a country home outside of Auburn, WA. His deeply planted farming and military work ethic called him in a different direction. He missed the satisfaction of knowing his efforts had tweaked a rough idle into a smooth-running, powerful engine or transformed a nebulous idea into something solid and concrete. While his upbringing and the Corps instilled discipline and accountability in his life, Vern allowed the creative side of his soul to soar in early 80's. His desire to operate his own business, controlling his road ahead - where he worked, how he created, and who traveled the road with him, led him to open Classic Printing and Graphics, first in Kent, WA, in 1982, and in Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, WA in 1990. He navigated the changing technologies of the 1980's - 2000's, keeping the business relevant and providing an excellent product to all he served. In 1985, Vern and Marian began working together to build their future home in "Sun Cove", Orondo, WA on a picturesque piece of property with stunning views of the Columbia River and Goosetail Rock. This home initially was a summer haven and later a wonderful place to retreat after long days of working and creating. Completion of their home afforded Vern and Marian the opportunity to relocate to the Wenatchee area personally and professionally. This transition was, again, a catalyst to great change for both of them. In Wenatchee, Vern rekindled his relationship with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, trusting again in the God of his youth. Many thanks are extended to the Wenatchee Church of the Nazarene for their support, encouragement, and acceptance of a man haunted by regrets but trying to live into the fullness of today as well. The openness and lifelong friendships built here offered both Vern and Marian a true home. Wenatchee, itself, also provided the healing balm of glorious scenery and a slower pace where people are judged by their character more than status. As many veterans before him and since, Vern wrestled with the memories of friends injured and killed while in the Marines as well as the "roads not taken". He chose to persevere. Friends and strangers helped mold him from a young tobacco farmer to proud Marine warrior; from a damaged veteran to a man who successfully fulfilled the roles of student, businessman, self-employed printer and church usher. Countless care workers nurtured his besieged body during the last years. His faithful wife, Marian, poured out her time, energy, and talents to encourage, buffer, and heal his battle wounds, both physical and psychological. Thank you all! His battle with diabetes suffered as a result of his tours of duty in Vietnam ultimately claimed his life here on Earth, but his determination to make each day count and never quit did not waver. His body simply wore out. Vernon was preceded in death by both his parents, Calvin & Maude; siblings Hershel, Edith, Ada, Thelma, Rebecca and Clifton. He is survived by wife, Marian; daughters Shannon (Steve), and Marcy (Neil); granddaughters Bethany, Talia, Grace, Faith, Hope, and Joy; as well as siblings (Kenneth (Faye) Adams, Blanche Koehler, and Louise Mason), and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Vernon will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2019, in Maple Valley, WA, and a celebration of life will be held in Wenatchee, WA, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local animal shelter or veteran's group as his favorite "people" were his furry friends and those who served our country.

Vernon Floyd Adams

February 28, 1939 - October 31, 2018