February 11, 1929 – September 23, 2016
Royal D. Adams, age 87, died on Friday, September 23, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas, of complications from Parkinson’s disease.
He was born in Kennydale, Washington to parents Albert Alfred Adams and Luta (McConnell) Adams. Royal graduated from Auburn High School in Auburn, Washington, where he was an officer in the Future Farmers Association. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Washington Air National Guard, 610th Signal Light Construction Co. and was called to duty at Kelly AFB, San Antonio in May 1951.
After being discharged in 1952, he and his brother started a restaurant business near Kelly and Lackland called The Lazy A. For a man who proudly wore his childhood nickname “Bum”, Royal was more proud when he graduated with an associate’s degree from San Antonio College, having been a member of the honor society there, and from St. Mary’s University with a degree in Economics.
He then graduated from St. Mary’s Law School in 1961 and began his law practice at the age of 32, which he continued until about 2006, when his Parkinson’s made it impossible for him to speak well and perform his duties to the level he expected of himself. He spent over 20 years dealing with this disease, never complaining about what fate had dealt him.
He loved helping others and enjoyed representing the little guy to ensure they were treated fairly. Royal was a sports enthusiast who particularly loved golf, hunting, the Dallas Cowboys, the San Antonio Spurs, and horseracing. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, especially to Washington and Las Vegas. Royal was kind with his words, modest in his actions, and generous with his love; a mentor to many.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Richard; and 4 brothers Albert, Fred, Leslie and Terry. Royal is survived by his wife of 46 years Mary Gaye (Buttles) Adams; children: Royallee Allen (Robert), Randall Adams (Terri), Dennis Adams (Diane), Susan Stacy (Cliff), David Towler (Seana), Bruce Towler (Chrisi), and Royal Dean Adams; sister Ima Berthier; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family.
The Adams family would like to give thanks to Royal’s dedicated caretakers Michelle Casteel and Shetney Roberts, as well as the other caregivers and hospice workers who helped him during the last few months of his life.
There will be a Celebration of Life Saturday, November 12, 2016, with brunch served at 11:00 AM in the Chinook Room at the Muckleshoot Casino.
