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Richard "Red" W. Adams

June 15, 1943 - January 21, 2021

Richard's (Red's) true passion in life was spending time with family and friends. He was always up for a road trip or international adventure, traveling by motorcycle, convertible, train, or airplane accompanied by his favorite music. He traveled to almost all 50 states, Australia, New Zealand, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the UK, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany and many other places. He taught us to be ourselves and enjoy life’s experiences, including the simple things.

Richard left us too early at the age of 77 on January 21, 2021 from complications following pancreatic cancer. He was born in Napa, CA and his parents, Edwin and Della Seiter, raised him, his four brothers, and one sister in St. Joseph, MO. He was a proud graduate of Benton High School class of 1962 and never missed a reunion. Richard served in the U.S. Navy and went on to build a thirty-five year career with the Burlington Northern Railroad, including serving as secretary of the union.

Richard was never a stranger to anyone he would meet along the way and kept up with old and new friends. He enjoyed going to Benton High School basketball games and walking in the park with lifelong- friend Bob, staying up to date on current events, going to the YMCA to play walleyball, spotting classic cars, and going out for a good meal.  He was a strong role model for our family and was loyal, honest, loving, determined, hard-working, funny, a great storyteller, and made you believe that you could do whatever you wanted.


Richard is survived by his children Shonia (Adams) Christy, Corey Adams, and Nicole (Adams) Payton; along with son-in-law Matthew Payton, granddaughter Katie Christy, brothers Doug Seiter, Louie Seiter, and Jr. Seiter, and their spouses; numerous nieces, nephews and several great-nieces and nephews, and many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Edwin Seiter, Sr., and Della Juanita Seiter, brother Charley (Pee Wee) Adams and one sister Faye.


The family will celebrate Richard privately knowing that if times were different, there would be a fun gathering. If you wish to honor him, please take a drive, turn up the music, and share your memories. We will gather in late summer or fall of 2021 when we can all be together to celebrate Richard’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kansas City Hospice www.kchospice.org/

 

 
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Angela (Lyon) Davis Jan 26, 2021

Friend of Shonia ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Shonia and family, My heart breaks for such an amazing loss for you. Your Dad was an amazing person, so warm and inviting never wanting you to feel left out. I will be praying for you all and know if there is anything you need please do not hesitate to ask.

Dan Wilson Jan 27, 2021

Benton Classmate ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Red was a dear and good friend, who always had a pleasant demeanor and kind word. He will be missed by many. Our best wishes to his family. Sincerely, Dan and Nancy Wilson

Hiram L. Davis Jan 27, 2021

High School Classmate ,Las Cruces ,New Mexico

Richard and I were classmates at Benton High School. We shared many good times together. In our senior year, Richard was Co-Captain of our football team. I always looked forward to seeing him at our class reunions over the years. My condolences to his family. Please enjoy and treasure your fond memories of him. Sincerely, Hiram Davis, '62 Classmate.

Karen Ward Jan 27, 2021

BHS Classmate - 1962 ,St. Joseph ,Missouri

So sorry to hear of Red's passing. He was a wonderful classmate and a good friend. He will be missed. Prayers to his family and host of friends.

Dan Miller Jan 27, 2021

Benton HS Classmate and friend ,Gatlinburg ,Tennessee

Red was one of those unique people when you see his smile, his arms out, waiting for a good hug, laugh, and maybe a beer if it is in the right sitting. He is special and well remembered for the times we shared, never enough as we grew older. But always ready to exchange tales. I will miss Red!

Terry McLaughlin Jan 27, 2021

Benton classmate 1962 ,Westerville ,Ohio

So sorry to here of Red’s passing from Karen. Red will always be in our hearts forever as a great person to grow up with in St Joe. As football and classmate of Red, he was a very fine person to be around. May God bless the family members and be with them all during this time of sorrow.

John F Cates Feb 06, 2021

friend and team mate ,Saint Joseph ,Missouri

I am so sorry for Reds passing. He was a great friend and team mate when we played football together at Benton High in the early 60's Go Benton,South Side pride brother. I'll miss you

Bob Brinton Feb 08, 2021

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Red and I first met in Boy Scouts Troop 22 in St. Joe. From those early day in scouts we continued our friendship in high school. We played football together and performed a senior day skit by doing a "Homer and Jethro " act which included bad singing and worse jokes. We continued our friendship in later years by attending sporting events and just walking on the nearby Line Creek trails. If you had Richard as a friend, you were truly blessed. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us.