Harry Hugh Adams died April 6, 2021 at 95 years of age surrounded by loved ones. He was born August 6, 1925 to Ray “Roy” J. and Gladys Goldie (McCarty) Adams. His sister and brothers were Gussie “Louise” Adams Estabrook, Edwin Birdene “Bud” Adams, Willard Eugene “Gene” Adams, Earl Ray “Tex” Adams, John Glenn Adams, Frederick “Merle” Adams, Billie LaDon “Don” Adams. All have preceded him in death.
A veteran of World War II, Harry joined the army September 1943 shortly after his 18th birthday and was assigned as a gunner in Patton’s 80th infantry division. After being wounded by artillery shrapnel during the Battle of the Bulge, he recovered and returned to the front line. This second assignment ended when his feet froze after a night crossing of the Or River on Christmas Eve 1944. He spent the remainder of the war recovering in a hospital in Britain.
Harry returned home from the war and on October 11, 1946 he married the love of his life, Barbara Beth Bryant. They were married 69 years and delighted in their children - and ESPECIALLY delighted in their 9 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Each child had their own special relationship with them as did their numerous nephews and nieces. He loved his family/ extended family. Barbara preceded him in death and he greatly missed her every day.
Harry worked in the oil fields - his work ethic was stellar. His vast experience in many different positions/roles, jobs, and locations afforded him countless work related friends and acquaintances. He finally totally retired at 85 years of age.
Growing tomatoes and other vegetables was one of his great passions. He had a huge garden every year, loved hearing about your garden, offered advice for your garden failures, celebrated your garden successes, and gave away most of what he grew.
Cards and domino playing were spirited affairs. If you were his partner in card games, you had better be on your toes and paying attention.
He loved to drive and drove all over – especially enjoyed driving around the Chase, Kansas areas where he grew up. He taught many grandchildren how to drive on country and county roads – way before they were of age. During these times he imparted his wisdom and told his childhood and oil field work stories to help guide them on their paths in life.
After retiring and before covid was an issue, he went to coffee most every day. There he connected with new and old friends of various ages from all walks of life. Business establishments in surrounding areas that he frequented knew his name and greeted him when he walked in the door.
Harry had “a thousand” whimsical words, sayings, and songs that would make you smile or laugh out loud – that is if you were able to understand his “Adams-Language” and keep up with his rapid fire speech. He enjoyed working hard (“getting powerful”) and had clever ideas (“cowboy tricks” and “franthanies”). If you met him, you’ll never forget him.
It would be hard to talk about Harry without mentioning his faith in Jesus Christ. He had promised God if he survived the war he would attend church and dragged all 4 kids to church every Sunday for many years. He read his bible and prayed daily for others. He started his prayers with “Dear God, we are grateful for this day.”
Harry was also preceded in death by his grandson Kyle Tomey and son-in-law Alex Ybarra. He is survived by his children ~Kent Adams (Sharon Ochs) – Hutchinson, Brenda Ybarra – Mound Valley, Lynn Adams (Ann) – Bison, and Gale Adams Briscoe (Ron Briscoe) – Wichita.
Visitation for friends and relatives wishing to pay their respects will be Tuesday, April 13th from noon to 9 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home (1425 S. Patton Rd.) in Great Bend, Kansas with family present from 4-6 p.m. Please wear a mask.
Honoring Harry’s wishes, a private burial service will be held for immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to, in care of the funeral home, to Chase/Raymond USD 401 School District Alumni Association, where Harry graduated from in the 8th grade – Go Kats!
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Charter Funerals
2115 Washington St.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 11, 2021
