January 4, 1926 – August 10, 2022
Long-time Palo Alto resident Arthur “Art” Adams Jr., 96, passed away peacefully August 10th, 2022.
Born in Kansas City, MO, Art was the son of the late Arthur F. Adams and Catherine E. Markey- Adams. Art was also the brother of the late Dorothy Adams- Gibbons.
Those left to lovingly remember Art include: his wife, Frances Celle-Adams; son Arthur Adams III and husband Devin Baker, daughter Jeannine Baskins; grandchildren Laura, Adam, Luke, Michael and countless friends.
Art proudly served in World War II, enlisting as a 17-year-old eager to serve his country. Following his service, Art attended and graduated from the University of Illinois earning a degree in engineering.
Art went on to work for Cook Electric and Lockheed Martin, although he was most proud of his time spent working with the Redwing atomic program for the United States government.
An avid collector of vintage radios and a self-proclaimed garage sale aficionado, Art spent his later years as a volunteer for the Museum of American Heritage, traveling with his beloved wife, and scouring the local garage sale circuit every Saturday morning.
A Memorial Mass will be held in Art’s honor on Saturday, September 10th at 2:00 PM at St. Albert the Great Church in Palo Alto. Following the Mass light refreshments will be served in St. Albert the Great Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the charity of your choice.
My dad was so special. I’m so blessed to have grown up with him as my father. Love and miss you Dad…
Art was a gem of a neighbor and always had fascinating stories to share. It was a special experience to meet him.
Sending lots of loving thoughts and prayers from the Kansas City area to Fran, Arthur, Jeannine and all the family. We enjoyed spending time with Art and Fran when we would visit Aunt Evelyn in California and when Art and Fran would visit the Midwest. My Dad’s cousin, Art, was a treasure trove of family stories along with the history of the Markey family. He will be missed.
I was always thrilled to be in Art’s presence. Art was always in a joyful mood during his many volunteer days he helped us at MOAH. His lectures were really appreciated and very well attended. I still remember Art and Fran dancing to the music at one of our summer music concerts! Art will be missed at MOAH!
Beverly Nelson
Longtime Museum Member
Uncle Art was a great charismatic person. I may not have thought that way when I was young, but as an adult, I enjoyed his humor, collection of unique and fun items found at garage sales, and collection of tube radios, records and trains.
Art always had an exciting story or joke or three. He was also a great mixologist and host, especially if he was wearing his red smoking jacket.
I highly suggest if you don’t have a copy of his book “A Young Man Goes to War – 1944” get on Amazon for 12 bucks. Not only a fascinating read and shows his personality and humor. Who else do you know that was captured by the Germans twice? https://www.amazon.com/Young-Man-Goes-War-1944/dp/1414036876
Uncle Art, you will be greatly missed, and I am honored I got to know you not only as an Uncle but as a friend.
Love ya
Michael