Jessie Neal Adams, 85

Neal Adams, 85 years, 11 months, and 18 days old, departed this life on Feb. 20, 2013 at the Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center, Ava, Mo.
Neal was born March 2, 1927 at McClurg, Mo., to Luther and Mary (Baird) Adams. He had three brothers, Lester, Virgil and Kenneth, and one sister, Betty.
Neal and Irene Ewing were united in marriage on March 31, 1956 and they enjoyed almost 57 years together.
Neal served two terms as County Commisioner in the late 1960s before taking a job with the Taney County Road Department in 1970. He retired as county road foreman many years later and returned to his farm in McClurg full time.
His life was his family and he was a wonderful father and “papa” to his grandchildren. He loved his children and worshipped his grandchildren. Neal was saved late in life and enjoyed reading the Bible and attending church. He and Irene attended the Bradleyville General Baptist Church. He also enjoyed taking care of his cattle and had a passion for the St. Louis Cardinals, never missing a game.
Neal is preceded by his parents, his three brothers and his sister.
Neal is survived by his wife, Irene; his three children, Randy Adams and wife Joyce, Joyce Welch and husband, Jerry, and Andy Adams, all of Ava; three sisters-in-law, Joann Pierce, Ava, Pauline Adams, Ava, and Wanda Allen, Kansas City; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.
Funeral services for Neal were Saturday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, with burial in the Bethel Cemetery. Visitation was Friday, Feb. 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Officiating were the Revs. Tom Johnson and James Hathcock.
Memorials may be made to Bethel Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.