Bob Reed Adams, 93, passed away April 11, 2011, at Hospice House, Hutchinson, Kan. He was born in Sun City, Barber County, Kan., the third son of Myrtle (Moad) Adams and Ora Adams, on Aug. 25, 1917.

He was a graduate of Sun City Rural High School, attended the Wichita Business College and the University of Louisville Southern Police Academy, Louisville, Kentucky. A veteran of WWII, Bob R. Adams was inducted into the United States Army in Feb. 1941, serving for four years, seven months, and 17 days with the 35th Infantry Division. As First Sergeant of Company C, 137th Infantry, he fought in the battles and campaigns of Normandy, the Normandy Breakout, Northern France, Central Europe, the Rhineland, the Ardennes, and the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged Oct. 1, 1945. Throughout his life he never forgot the courage, dedication, and honor of the men with whom he had served.

He was honored to have personally participated in the placement of a permanent war memorial to the men of Company C, 137th Infantry, which stands today in Council Grove, Kan. Following his discharge Bob, with his eldest brother Glenn Adams, formed the Sun City Oil Company and operated a Skelly Oil retail and wholesale fuel and oil station until 1952. In 1952, Bob Adams moved to Hutchinson, Kan., having accepted employment as a probationary police patrol officer, progressing in rank to Detective, Lieutenant, Captain, and in March 1966, was selected to be the Chief of Police of Hutchinson, Kan. He remained the Chief of Police until his retirement in 1984. As the Chief of Police he developed a comprehensive training program for officers, oversaw the development and construction of the Reno County Law Enforcement Center, participated on many legislative advisory committees for numerous Governors, served as president and life member of the Kansas Peace Officers Association and the Kansas Chiefs of Police, and was a life member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

On Dec. 6, 1953, Bob Adams married Juanita Jean (Strong) East, the eldest daughter of Clemet and Hazel Strong of Hutchinson, becoming the father to her son, Jerry. Jean Adams preceded him in death Jan. 29, 1986. Bob R. Adams is survived by his step-son, Jerry East of Hutchinson and his wife Cece (Spangler); his little sister, Mrs. Barbara Reichenberger of Alva, Okla.; his sister-in-law, the Reverend Georgia A. Decker of Hutchinson, Kan.; a granddaughter, Heather (Todd) Brown of Hutchinson; a grandson, Aaron (Michelle) East of Hutchinson; six great grandchildren, Bretley, Easton, and Averie Brown, Matthew Mondragon, Stephen Reagin and Braelyn East; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, John, his parents, Ora and Myrtle Adams, older brothers, Glenn and Neil Adams, and the love of his life, his wife, Jean Adams. Bob Adams was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Hutchinson.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, April 14, 2011, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, the Pastor Willard Stafford and Reverend Mark Conard officiating. Friends may call at Elliott Mortuary on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Fraternal Order of Police #7, Hutchinson, Kansas and/or Meals on Wheels in care of Elliott Mortuary. Bob R. Adams will be interred at Fairlawn Cemetery, Hutchinson, Kan. Friends may leave a personal condolence at www.elliottmortuary.com for Bob's family.