Jerry Ray Adams

Jerry Adams

Richfield, Utah

Jerry Ray Adams, 78, passed away August 25, 2020 at his home in Richfield. He was born on March 29, 1942 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana to Walter and Beatrice Adams. He was very close to his older brother, Jack. The two looked a lot alike and would often argue which one was the "prettiest".

On a whim and a bet with his best friend Larry, Jerry joined the United States Army in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He proudly served in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1960-1963. After leaving the Army, Jerry returned to Phoenix, Arizona where he met and married his first sweetheart, Patricia "Patty". Together they had two daughters, Kenda and Angelique. Jerry and Patty gave an idyllic childhood to their daughters when they moved from Phoenix to a quaint little farm in Utah. They both had enormous hearts, providing a home of love and refuge for dozens of foster children throughout their 16 years together.

Jerry loved the great outdoors, including hunting and fishing. He patiently taught his two young daughters how to fish. Jerry still held a hilarious grudge with Kenda for losing a trophy- sized trout that fell off the hook, as she reeled it in all the way to the tip of the pole. However, no grudge was big enough in his family as Kenda would be Jerry's most dependable and loving care giver in his last months on this earth.

He broke a wild mustang affectionately named "Bruiser", but not before the horse broke and permanently mamed one of his fingers first. Jerry marveled at how his youngest daughter, Angelique galloped through fields atop Bruiser as if they were meant for each other. However, Jerry often had to protect that same brave rider from "King Tut". A rooster that would terrorize her to no end.

Jerry was an electrician by trade and could fix nearly anything, but rarely without his trademark symphony of salty language. He loved his Harley Davidson motorcycles and riding through the many scenic routes between Utah and Arizona.

After Jerry lost his first wife in a tragic car accident, he later met and married his second sweetheart, Kathleen and became a step-father to her 5 sons. Together, Jerry and Kathleen enjoyed collecting antiques, including classic cars, trips to Las Vegas, as well as decorating and updating their historic Victorian home. The unique landmark was known by many as the "Halloween House". The best spot to go trick-or-treat, because of it's over-the-top ghoulish decorations both inside and out.

Jerry was loved by many and will be sorely missed. His rough edges, no-nonsense attitude was always overshadowed by his heart of gold towards whomever held his affection. That person in the end was his wife, Kathleen. He did his very best to lead a life where she would be safe, happy and loved as much as he loved her.

Jerry leaves behind 13 grandchildren including: Mikai, Kairon, Kaiziah, Kaizaac, Tahna, Alexandra, Samantha, Jerilynn, Kassie, Dustin, Mason, Alexis and Shaunie.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 31, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel where friends may call from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Live streaming of the services and online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com under Jerry’s obituary. Cremation services to follow. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.