A Memorial Mass for Eugene Adams, age 81, of Tyndall, South Dakota, and formerly of Chambers and Spencer, Nebraska and Dubuque, Iowa will be at 11:00 am Saturday, April 13, 2019 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill with inurnment to follow at the O'Neill Cemetery.  Memorial Visitation will be from 9-11 am Saturday morning before the service at the church.  Eugene passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill, Nebraska.  Memorials can be directed to the family for future designation.  Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

Eugene Glenn Adams was born June 18, 1937 in Chambers, Nebraska to Glenn and Berniece (Huston) Adams.  He graduated from Chambers High School in 1954.  After graduating from high school, he worked hard for two years to save enough money to buy a Custom 1955 Ford 4-door Fairlane.  In 1958, he went to college at Wayne State College and graduated with a teaching degree in Math and Science.  He furthered his education at University of Nebraska- Lincoln and was awarded his Masters of Education degree in 1971.

He married Luanne Fritton on February 6, 1960 in Wayne, NE.  To this union four children were born; Michael, Julie, Lori and Bradley.

Gene taught Mathematics and Science and acted as Principal at Spencer High School.  He then became full-time Principal for two years prior to becoming Superintendent for many years.  He took a break from teaching for some time to own and operate Convenience Stores in Gregory, Yankton, Norfolk, Wakefield, and Spencer before semi-retiring.  In the late 1990's, he went back to Spencer to become the Superintendent of schools and retired completely in 2005.

Gene was known as a jack of all trades.  In his early years, he enjoyed racing stockcars.   His summers were spent working as a finish operator paving roads for Knight Brothers Construction and Prouty Construction.

Gene was very active in the Spencer School Board and belonged to NSSA.  He was appointed to the Legislative Commission and was named to the LB-403 Committee by the Commissioner of Education.

Gene's hobbies were woodworking, hunting, fishing, traveling, crossword puzzles and reading. One of his lifetime aspirations was to attain his pilots license and fly small Cessna planes, an achievement he most enjoyed.   He loved attending sporting events and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Eugene is survived by his four children, Michael (Jamey) Adams of Norfolk, NE, Julie (Robert) Eby of Long Grove, IA, Lori (Scott) Kunz of Stuart, NE, Bradley (Jackie) Adams of Tyndall, SD; 11 grandchildren, Derek Adams, Garrett Adams, Eric (Jade) Eby, Adam (Brianna) Eby, Ryan (Stephanie) Eby, Ashli Kunz, Courtni Kunz, Bryan (Kristi) Adams, Kayli (Jared) VanWinkle, Alie Adams, Colin Adams; one great-grandson, Grayson Adams; one brother; many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Luanne in 2019; and one brother.