Dr. John Collins Adams, born September 18, 1938, passed away June 7, 2020 after a brief battle with cancer.
He was born in New Albany, Indiana to Clarence Delmer and Marie Collins Adams. He graduated from New Albany High School in 1956. He received his Bachelors from Purdue University, his Masters from Iowa State University and his PhD from Washington State University, all in microbiology. He served as a professor of microbiology for 26 years at the University of Wyoming. His research was used worldwide to improve drinking water.
He was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of America, and served as both president and Lieutenant governor, where he helped to restore the Overland Trail marker west of Laramie.
He loved fishing, bowling, traveling, and was an avid gardener. From childhood he loved spending time in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and he and Sara made a lifetime of wonderful memories in Au Train, Michigan.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and is survived by the love of his life, Sara, and daughters Victoria (Paul) Marano and Sherri (Darryl) Newill. He was greatly loved and is greatly missed.
He cared that students who didn’t have the means could go to college, so in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Dr. John Collins Adams to the University of Wyoming Foundation, 222 South 22nd Street, Laramie, Wyoming, 82070.
A private family service was held.
Dear Sara, Vicky, and Sherri, Arlene and I are so sorry for the loss of John but do know he will be welcomed by the All Mighty. I believe I was his first Graduate Student and can still remember his interviews with the Microbiology Department while he was at Washington State. As I look back, I can say with all certainty that his mentoring was always first class. When the going got tough, John always stepped up to help me get over hurdles within the degree program and especially when help was needed to accomplish sampling and writing programming. John was always there for me during our 4 years together. Our close relationship did not end with my completing our PHD effort. Arlene and I were fortunate to remain in Laramie and at UW the next 34 years. During that time, John and I collaborated on many projects concerning environmental research and both participated in watching our families grow up and leave home. He retired a number of years before me, and as I now know and have experienced with my own graduate students and retirement, we lost close contact with each other. However, please know that all of you and Dr. John Adams my; Teacher, Mentor, Researcher, and Friend have always been a part of our daily prayers. May he rest in peace and may God Bless all of you and your families. Our continued love and prayers, Arlene and Quentin Skinner