Marion L. Adams

Marion LaMar Adams, 92, passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Witham Memorial Hospital in Lebanon, Indiana. He was born in Elizaville, Indiana on January 31, 1923, the son of the late Joel and Nora Pearl (Newman) Adams. On December 29, 1945, he was married to Melba Letha (Abston) Adams at her parent’s home in Indianapolis; she survives. They would have celebrated 70 loving years together next month. He was a life resident of Boone County with the exception of three years spent in the service. Marion was drafted January 14, 1943 and discharged December 11, 1945. He served with the First Special Service Force which was made of volunteers; 40 percent Canadian and 60 percent American (the only mixed unit in World War II). This unit was specially trained in Helena, Montana. It was known as the USA-Canadian Commando. General Robert T. Frederick was the leader and the unit served on the Aleutian Island in the Pacific. In the European theater, Africa, Italy, (Salerno invasion of Anzio), he was on Anzio Beachhead for 99 days, Rome, Island of Crete, invasion of southern France, onto Germany, and Norway. Several books have been written about the Force and also three movies produced. The Force had 2400 in the beginning, 2300 casualties, including over 400 killed or missing. When the Force was deactivated at Menton, France on December 5, 1944, it became the 474th Infantry Regiment. Marion also served under General George Patton twice and once under General Mark Wayne Clark. The unit never lost a battle. The First Special Service Force celebrated their 60th reunion August 15, 2006 in Helena, Montana. Marion received several decorations, citations and five Bronze Stars. In 1949, four service men and their families from the Force met once a year until 1992 when the third buddy passed away. Two buddies were from Illinois, one from southern Indiana and Marion. In February 2015, Marion received a “Congressional Gold Medal”, which is the highest honor a civilian can receive. Also in February 2015, he was honored with the “Key to the City of Lebanon”. In Lebanon, Marion worked for Winklers US Machine Corporation for a total of 33 years. He then worked for Master Fit Corporation in Indianapolis for three years and then Monlan of Lebanon. His was last employed in the printing department at Witham Hospital before retiring in 2006. A dedicated father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, travelling, playing cards and antique cars. His memberships included; Boone Lodge #9 F AM in Lebanon, Boone County Shrine Club, Indianapolis Scottish Rite and Indianapolis Murat. He was also a member of the Hope Christian Church. Funeral Services will be held at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, in Lebanon, Indiana, on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Billy Watts and Pastor Dwight Williams, officiating. Visitation is planned for Wednesday, December 2, 2015, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with Masonic Rites beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held at noon on Thursday until the time of service at the funeral home in Lebanon. Interment with military rites will follow services at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon, Indiana. Survivors: Wife: Melba Adams – Lebanon, Indiana Three Children: Shirley Lynn O’Bryan – Brownsburg, Indiana Karen S. Lasley-Maue and husband, David – Lebanon, Indiana Marion Gregg Adams and wife, Wanda – Noblesville, Indiana Seven Grandchildren: John Lasley and wife, Chris – Lebanon. Indiana Jennifer Lasley – Lebanon, Indiana Shana Irwin and husband, Brian – Lebanon, Indiana Scott O’Bryan and wife, Susan – Indianapolis, Indiana Joshua Adams – Bedford, Indiana Mark Adams – Bedford, Indiana Kristyn Adams – Bedford, Indiana Three Step Grandchildren: Adam Warrick – Lebanon, Indiana Andrew Warrick – Lebanon, Indiana Jenna Warrick – Lebanon, Indiana Six Great Grandchildren: John Lasley Sabrina Lasley Ethan O’Bryan Autumn Barnes Wyatt Adams McKenzie Adams Four Step Great Great Grandchildren: Brittany and Jarrod Irwin Rob and Katie Dukes Marion and his wife provided daycare for two children over the years and consider them as grandchildren. They had the privilege of watching Brian Howenstein for four years and the blessing of enjoying Megan Lin Sosbe for ten years; she remains an active part of their lives through phone calls and visits. They had enjoyed spending time with the children. Deceased: In addition to his parents, Marion was preceded in death by a son-in-law, John Lasley; siblings, Orville Cleo Adams, Ernest Basil Adams, Morris Wayne Adams, Oris Devon Adams, Marilyn Adams, and Bonetha Louise Adams. Memorials: Hope Christian Church Building Fund, Masonic Lodge, or Scottish Rite.

Marion L. Adams

January 31, 1923 - November 28, 2015