FORREST ADAMS

HUGOTON – Forrest “Pudge” Eugene Adams, 81, died Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 at Ascension Via Christi, St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita. 

He was born November 15, 1941 to Forrest and Elizabeth (McCandless) Adams. 

He married Romona Jean Thomas in Hugoton Aug. 10, 1963. She preceded him in death.

He graduated from Manter High School in 1959.  After high school he attended Panhandle A&M College, where he played basketball on the intramural team.  He was also a member of the National Science Foundation and Mathematics Institute allowing him to be a teaching assistant and tutor, and a member of Lambda Sigma Tau, a national honorary science and mathematics scholastic fraternity. He was also a member of the ROTC Precision Drill Team for 2 years. He graduated from Panhandle A&M College in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.    

He continued his education and graduated from Kansas State University in 1968 with a master’s degree in education. He had a love for teaching and coaching which led him to serve at Elkhart USD #218 for 34 years. He was presented with many awards such as the “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” in 1990 and “Master Teacher Award.” 

He was a member of the National Education Association and Kansas National Education Association, the Elkhart Education Association and Elkhart Jaycee’s.

Farming was an important and huge part of his life. He loved to go sit and look out over his fields of corn, wheat or milo and watch the sun set.

Survivors include his daughter, Jeanine and husband, Alfonso (Kiki) Olivas, Coppell, Texas; brothers, Fred Adams, Hays, and Gary Adams and wife, Betty, Manter; and three grandchildren: Ian Alexander Olivas, Addyson Isabella Olivas, and Isla Noelle Olivas. 

He was also preceded in death by his parents; and stepfather, A.C. Allison.

• Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 at Bethel Friends Church in Hugoton, with Patty Bultman presiding. 

Burial will follow at the Hugoton Cemetery in Hugoton. 

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 at Garnand Funeral Home in Hugoton. 

Memorials are suggested to Peace House Ministries or the American Cancer Society in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 920 E. 11th St. Hugoton, KS 67951. 

Condolences may be left at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.