Nelson "Doc" Adams

Nelson Jennings "Doc" Adams age 88 of Woodway, passed from this life to his eternal rest on February 27, 2017 in Waco, Texas. He was born on February 15, 1929, in Los Angeles, California to Lucille Pearl Lawrence Adams and William Jennings Adams. He was raised near Cache, Oklahoma, graduating from Cache High School in 1947. He graduated from Cameron Junior College in Lawton, Oklahoma, then attended Oklahoma A&M University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Animal Science, and a master's degree in Agronomy. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He completed his education by earning a doctoral degree in Meats & Muscle Biology from Texas A&M University.

On December 27, 1958, he married Roberta Frances Peoples in Fort Worth, Texas. They were blessed with four well-loved daughters. He is survived by his loving wife and four daughters and their spouses, Elizabeth (Beth) McKenzie and Blake of Kerrville, Dana Herrington & Michael Brasstown, NC, June Bailey and Colin of Woodway, and Lydia Adams of Lockhart, as well as eleven grandchildren, Kristen, Kelsie, and Kendall McKenzie; Jenna, Lauren, and Rebekah Herrington; and Elizabeth, Emily, Daniel, Matthew, and William Bailey. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Adams Gunderson and husband Marion Greeley, CO, nieces, Kit Christian of Greeley, CO and Karen Eischen of Santa Rose, CA, and a nephew Steven Eischen of Santa Rosa, CA.

Doc was always outstanding in his field. Involved in agriculture even from his youth, his ongoing contribution to the agricultural communities in both California and Texas is immeasurable. From the beginning, working for the University of California Cooperative Extension Service as the 4-H Farm Advisor and then Farm Advisor in Sonoma County, CA, he positively impacted youth and producers with a zeal for learning and the latest in research and practices. He taught on the agriculture faculty at Santa Rosa Junior College. He founded the California Livestock Symposium in 1976 with the purpose of connecting producers with current agricultural and scientific research to increase production and profitability. Transitioning to working with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service in 1977, he continued to have a passion for excellence in agriculture. He worked in both Fort Stockton and Vernon as the District Livestock Specialist. As a leader in the meat science field, he contracted with the Tanzanian government to assist them in creating a beef cattle grading system for their country. He also worked with the governments of Australia and Taiwan in similar endeavors.

His humble background of growing up in rural Oklahoma forged a strong passion for education and passing it along to others. He could mix with every kind of person comfortably which was a great asset in his life's work. As he excelled in his profession, he never forgot the people and places that made him who he became.

He always made his family a priority. Whether it was teaching about sheep and hogs or attending sporting events and choir concerts as they grew up, he was the best dad ever to his daughters. Active in service to his community as Rotarian since 1959, he received the honor of Paul Harris Fellow. He cherished his days as a member of Alpha Gamma Rho during his college days in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and continued life-long friendships with AGR brothers.

A service of celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church in Meridian, Texas on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. The family will receive visitors in the fellowship hall preceding the service at 1:00 P.M. Burial will be at the Morgan Cemetery immediately following. Memorials may be made to: Meridian First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 467, Meridian, Texas 76665 or the charity of your choice.

Words of comfort and peace can be sent to the family at www.lawsonfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements were made by Lawson Funeral Home, Meridian, Texas 254-435-2792.

Funeral Service

2:00 PM ,Saturday, March 4, 2017
First Baptist Church of Meridian
207 N. Hill St. Meridian, Texas, Bosque 76665

Visitation

1:00 PM ,Saturday, March 4, 2017
First Baptist Church of Meridian
207 N. Hill St. Meridian, Texas 76665