Steve was born on November 3, 1946, in Sterling, IL, the son of John A. Adams and June T. (Reese) Adams. He was a 1964 graduate of Sterling High School and from Western Illinois University, receiving his bachelors and Master’s degree. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Temple on November 23, 1968. Steve was the K-12 art teacher for Annawan Unit District 226 Schools for 35 years. He instilled an appreciation for art in his students and inspired future artists through his kindness and encouragement. Steve’s numerous paintings and woodcarvings are treasured by others in the surrounding community. His award-winning work has been displayed in public spaces throughout Illinois.

Steve’s love of nature was manifested through his artwork and his hobbies. After retiring from teaching, he worked in the garden center at Walmart. Steve enjoyed gardening at home, maintaining his fish tanks, and playing with his grandchildren. Steve was an avid collector and restorer of historic military and Native American/Western artifacts. For many years, he was a church board member and Sunday School teacher at Fairview United Methodist Church as well as a member of Annawan Kiwanis Club. Steve and Bonnie shared many traveling adventures including visiting all 50 states and many countries abroad. Locally, one could always find Steve enjoying a cup of coffee with friends at the Purple Onion and later years at McDonald’s and Culvers. His gentle nature, generous spirit and warm smile will always be remembered.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 51 years, Bonnie; daughters, Lisa (Chris) Davis, Marion, IA, Lori (Bryan) Adams-Phillips, Iowa City, IA; grandchildren, Stephanie Davis, Normal, IL, Ryan (Kelly) Davis, Normal, IL, Emily, Jonathan and Nathaniel Phillips, Iowa City, IA; great-grandchild Charles (Charlie) Davis, Normal IL; brothers, Michael (Sherry) Adams, Anaheim, CA, Mark (Polly) Adams, Sterling, IL, sister, Julie (David) Mauldin, Morrison, IL.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister Susan Adams.

Stephen C. AdamsNovember 3, 1946~ April 4, 2020

Steve was born on November 3, 1946, in Sterling, IL, the son of John A. Adams and June T. (Reese) Adams. He was a 1964 graduate of Sterling High School and from Western Illinois University, receiving his bachelors and Master’s degree. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Temple on November 23, 1968. Steve was the K-12 art teacher for Annawan Unit District 226 Schools for 35 years. He instilled an appreciation for art in his students and inspired future artists through his kindness and encouragement. Steve’s numerous paintings and woodcarvings are treasured by others in the surrounding community. His award-winning work has been displayed in public spaces throughout Illinois.

Steve’s love of nature was manifested through his artwork and his hobbies. After retiring from teaching, he worked in the garden center at Walmart. Steve enjoyed gardening at home, maintaining his fish tanks, and playing with his grandchildren. Steve was an avid collector and restorer of historic military and Native American/Western artifacts. For many years, he was a church board member and Sunday School teacher at Fairview United Methodist Church as well as a member of Annawan Kiwanis Club. Steve and Bonnie shared many traveling adventures including visiting all 50 states and many countries abroad. Locally, one could always find Steve enjoying a cup of coffee with friends at the Purple Onion and later years at McDonald’s and Culvers. His gentle nature, generous spirit and warm smile will always be remembered.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 51 years, Bonnie; daughters, Lisa (Chris) Davis, Marion, IA, Lori (Bryan) Adams-Phillips, Iowa City, IA; grandchildren, Stephanie Davis, Normal, IL, Ryan (Kelly) Davis, Normal, IL, Emily, Jonathan and Nathaniel Phillips, Iowa City, IA; great-grandchild Charles (Charlie) Davis, Normal IL; brothers, Michael (Sherry) Adams, Anaheim, CA, Mark (Polly) Adams, Sterling, IL, sister, Julie (David) Mauldin, Morrison, IL.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister Susan Adams.

Stephen C. AdamsNovember 3, 1946~ April 4, 2020

Smile

Smile though your heart is achingSmile even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky' you'll get by

if you smile through your fear and sorrowSmile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladnessHide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so nearThat's the time you must keep on trying

Smile ~ what's the use of cryingYou'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just Smile!

A Funeral Service To Celebrate His LifeSaturday, April 11, 2020 10:30 a.m.

Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory - Geneseo Chapel

OfficiantReverend Dan Wright

Eternal Resting PlaceFairview Cemetery - Annawan, IL

Casket BearersChris Davis, Bryan Phillips, Ryan Davis

Mark Adams, Dan Wright

Funeral Musical SelectionsIt is Well - Chris Rice

Turn, Turn, Turn - The Byrd'sBridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel

Smile

Smile though your heart is achingSmile even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky' you'll get by

if you smile through your fear and sorrowSmile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladnessHide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so nearThat's the time you must keep on trying

Smile ~ what's the use of cryingYou'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just Smile!

A Funeral Service To Celebrate His LifeSaturday, April 11, 2020 10:30 a.m.

Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory - Geneseo Chapel

OfficiantReverend Dan Wright

Eternal Resting PlaceFairview Cemetery - Annawan, IL

Casket BearersChris Davis, Bryan Phillips, Ryan Davis

Mark Adams, Dan Wright

Funeral Musical SelectionsIt is Well - Chris Rice

Turn, Turn, Turn - The Byrd'sBridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel