Leonard Lee Adams

Leonard Adams passed away at his family home, surrounded by his family, on June 14, 2023. He was born on January 27, 1939, to Leonard and Leta (Berry) Adams. He was the youngest of four children.

He was born at home on Alder St. and spent many days running around Pioneer Park. After graduating from Wa-Hi, he served in the Army, mainly at White Sands, NM. Leonard was fortunate to retire twice. He was a police officer for the City of Walla Walla for 30 years and retired there in 1991. Shortly after that retirement, Leonard started working for the Walla Walla School District. He was the first security officer at Wa-Hi, and for the last 25 years, he drove a school bus. After another 30 years, he retired for the second time in 2021. He had two things he enjoyed telling people - He had been driving the bus for so long that he was now driving children of former students. Also, his father, after retiring as the City Fire Chief, drove a school bus, and his son, Scott, is now a third-generation school bus driver.

Leonard met the love of his life, Florence Adams while working for the City of WW. He was a police officer, and she often said she liked to see him in his uniform. They were married at Grace United Methodist Church on December 8, 1962.

He had a life-long passion for trains and railroads that started when he bought his first train set with his paper route money. That passion got him into pocket watches. He bought a Waltham 'railroad style' pocket watch at a yard sale, and before long, he had a workbench and tools to disassemble, clean, and reassemble his watches. Also, his love of family led him to spend many weekends supporting Florence and Lynn at parades and rodeos. This love of family and friends led Leonard and Florence to always have an open door at their house, whether that was an invitation to dinner, a bed for the night, or many cases, much longer.

Leonard is survived by his sisters, Alice Chase of Vancouver, WA, and Janice Riley of Touchet, WA; stepbrother, John Underwood of Walla Walla, WA; son, Scott (Heather) of Walla Walla, WA; daughter, Lynn (Buddy) Birdwell of Milton Freewater, OR; grandchildren, Adam, Kylee, Elizabeth, and Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Sophie and Natalie. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many bonus grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Florence Adams; parents, Leonard and Leta, step­ mother, Loraine; sister, Anne; and stepsister, Diane Underwood.

A special thanks to the wonderful staff at Providence St. Mary's and WW Community Hospice.

There will be a graveside service at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 11:00 AM. A potluck gathering to celebrate his life will be held at Pioneer Park near the bandstand on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM. (Drinks & eating utensils will be provided, Please bring a lawn chair).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Christian Aid Center or Walla Walla Community Hospice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.