Gordon Adams

Gordon Adams, age 91, of Walla Walla, WA, passed away peacefully in April 2024. He was born in Spokane, WA, the son of the late Donald and Tirza Adams.

Gordon grew up on the family farm west of Spokane and attended Lewis and Clark High School. He was a proud alumnus of the University of Idaho, where he was awarded a football scholarship despite being one of the smallest members on the team. Gordon played center during his freshman year, a testament to his determination and spirit. He also sang with the Vandaleers and was a dedicated member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

After earning his business degree, Gordon served as a Naval Aviator in the US Navy. He returned to Spokane long enough to marry the former Miss Spokane, Suzanne, and they moved to Maine, where he was stationed. As a “Seahawk” of Patrol Squadron 23, he piloted the P2V-7 Neptune on deployments to Iceland and Malta, conducting maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine patrol missions in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.

Following his military service, Gordon joined his brother Carroll selling farm equipment at Adams Tractor Company in Walla Walla, WA. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found and manage Adams Steel Buildings, a division of Carroll Adams Tractor Co., constructing vital agricultural and industrial structures across the Pacific Northwest. He ultimately formed a business partnership with Suzanne, serving the investment needs of client families throughout the region for over a decade.

Gordon was deeply committed to his community as a long-time member of the First Congregational Church, Walla Walla Noon Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge, Walla Walla Elks Lodge #287, and Walla Walla Country Club. He also dedicated many years to serving on the Troop Committee for Troop 312, Boy Scouts of America.

His most important partnership in life was with his true love, Suzanne. Over 65 years, they built a family, a business, and a beautiful life together in Brunswick, ME, Walla Walla, WA, and at their cherished lake retreat in northern Idaho.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Suzanne; children, Elizabeth (Dan), Peter (Jean), and Daniel (Teresa); and grandchildren, Madeleine, Natalie, Brian, Lauren, and Jackson. He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Jack, Donald, Carroll, Rosamond, Doris, Robert, Tirzah, Howard, and his grandson, Nicholas.

Gordon will be remembered for his integrity, leadership, and enduring commitment to his family and community. He will also be remembered for his fierce optimism, his innate sense of happiness, and his fondness of huckleberry pie and his mom’s peanut butter cookies.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Gordon’s memory to the First Congregational Church, 73 S Palouse St, Walla Walla, WA 99362 (https://www.fccwallawalla.org/donate).

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home.