Pastor Adams

Pastor Robert H. Adams, Jr died peacefully on May 16, 2019 with family at his side. He was 94 years old. Visitation at 1:30 pm and Memorial Service at 2:00 pm will be held on Tuesday, May 21 at Bethany United Methodist Church. (3910 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI). He will be buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in a private ceremony.

Family, religion and trains were central to his life. He was born to Robert and Lottie Adams on September 10, 1924 and spent his childhood near the shores of New Jersey. He often spoke of his love for family gatherings in Easton Pennsylvania and a special closeness to his grandparents. During the many trips there, he came across the Lehigh Valley railroad and developed a lifetime affinity for trolleys and rail.

He attended Western Maryland college majoring in English and Sociology followed by two years working in Italy with the American Friends Service Committee (Quakers) in an effort to re-build following the war. This experience further shaped his commitment to peace. He then received his Master of Divinity in 1950 from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. It was there he met his wife Jeanne. They were married on his birthday in 1949.

Bob and Jeanne were invited to the Western Wisconsin district in 1950. He served as the first full time pastor at Bethany until 1961 and their three sons were born during that time. He also later served churches in Platteville, Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls and then accepted the position of District Superintendent for the Northwest District in 1976. His wife Jeanne died during this assignment in 1980.

In 1981, Bob met Karen Millner and they married. They took the responsibilities of co pastors at Trinity Church in Beaver Dam. Karen died in Beaver Dam in 1987.
Although Bob retired to the Madison area in 1990, he continued to serve in part time and interim ministries in Sun Prairie , Marshall, Lake Mills and at Calvary church. During his 40 years of service, he had a special interest in campus ministry, higher education and outdoor education.

Bob was a member of many organizations devoted to peace and justice. He served on the Board at Meriter (Capital Lakes) Retirement Systems and volunteered for over a decade at UW Hospital . He also volunteered at the First Church Food Pantry and had a special concern for the homeless.

Railways remained a lifetime interest and he was a member of the National Railway Historical Society and served as editor of the state newsletter Sparks and Cinders. He had an extensive collection of train memorabilia including seats, signs, lanterns, magazines and what seemed to be a million slides.

His family will fondly remember his great smile, fun word play and appreciate his great empathy for all living things.

Bob is survived by his three sons, Robert, Tym and Jonathan (Jeri); Grand children Crystal (Chuck), Corey (Kaley), Lindsay (Matt), Lauren (Jim), nine great-grandchildren and brother William.

He is preceded in death by wives Jeanne and Karen, daughter-in-law Margy, great grandson Benjamin, and brother Ted.

The family extends a special thanks to all who work and live at Capitol Lakes, where Bob lived for 20 years and those who attended to him during his final months.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials to the Food Bank of First United Methodist Church appreciated. 203 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI 53703


Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI
53705