Obituary of Clarence Adams

Clarence Eugene &amp;quot;Dutch&amp;quot; Adams, 83, formerly of Newfane and Lockport, died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at Clifton Springs Nursing Home. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Audrey Whitwell Adams, on Feb. 8, 2006. Mr. Adams retired from North Park Junior High, where he was an industrial arts teacher for 33 years, in 1980. He is survived by four sons, Thomas (Roseanne) Adams of Farmington, NY, Daniel (Laura) Adams of Yorba Linda, CA, Richard (Kathryn) Adams of Appleton, WI, and Jeffrey Adams of Canandaigua, NY. He is survived by his sister, Esther Matthews, of Aiken, SC. He was predeceased by his brother, Albert Adams, on Dec. 27, 1985. Mr. Adams also is survived by his grandchildren, Victoria Adams of Farmington, NY; Daniel, Brittney and Melissa Adams of Yorba Linda, CA; and Lindsay and Ashley Adams of Appleton, WI. Mr. Adams was born to the late Edwin and Edith Adams on July 31, 1925, and was raised in Yorkshire, Cattaraugus County. He was graduated from Delevan High School, where he played basketball, soccer and baseball. His ability as a baseball catcher drew interest from the Pittsburgh Pirates, but his chance to play professionally was derailed when he was called to duty. After serving in the Air Force from 1943-46, he was graduated in 1951 from Buffalo State College, where he played on the school&amp;#39;s soccer team. He received his master&amp;#39;s degree in 1960 from the University of Buffalo. Mr. Adams worked briefly at Harrison Radiator, then received orders to report back for duty with the Air Force in the Korean War from 1951-53. He married his wife on May 24, 1952. After being discharged from the Air Force, Mr. Adams returned to work at Harrison, then took his first teaching job, at Pine Valley Central School, in 1954. He was hired at North Park in 1956. Mr. Adams was devoted to his family, and was active with the Niagara County Historical Society for several years. He earned a private pilot&amp;#39;s license in 1979. He and Mrs. Adams delivered for Meals on Wheels for many years. Mr. Adams enjoyed golf, bowling, and watching the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 11 AM in Prudden &amp; Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Niagara County Historical Society, 215 Niagara Street, Lockport, NY 14094. Please visit www.pruddenandkandt.com for online condolences. <h3>Visitation</h3> Ni prior visitation. <h3>Services</h3> A memorial service on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 11 AM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport.