Thomas Ignatious Adams

Thomas "Tom" I. Adams, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who filled his days with faith, love and hard work, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at his home in Chickasha, Oklahoma, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88.

Tom’s greatest legacy is his family. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Rosezita "Zita" Adams; son David Adams and wife Denise; son Tom Adams and wife Linda; son Ed Adams and wife Tara; son Don Adams and wife Laura; daughter Christine Cook and husband Steve; daughter Cathleen Sherman and husband Mike; son Stephen Adams and wife Michele; 25 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous extended family members and friends who love him dearly.

Tom was born on July 14, 1936, in Neola, Iowa, the youngest son of Anna and Thomas Adams. He came from humble beginnings, raised on the family farm alongside his six siblings Phil, Barbara, Mary Jo, Joe, Trudy and Margaret — all of whom preceded him in death.

He attended St. Joseph High School, as one of 19 graduates in the class of 1954. Tom met Zita Grieder in high school, and they became sweethearts. After Zita graduated in May, Tom famously sold a pig to buy a ring. They were married on October 5, 1957, in Neola.

Throughout his 50-year career, he held leadership positions at nine Ralston Purina plants nationwide, including Omaha, Nebraska; Ottumwa, Iowa; Buffalo, N.Y.; Pocatello, Idaho; Wichita, Kansas; St. Johnsbury, Vermont; Vandalia, Illinois; and Macon, Georgia. Tom excelled at training, hiring and developing leaders.

In 1975, Tom and Zita decided to move to Tuttle, Oklahoma, where Tom was asked to be the general manager of Braum’s Dairy Farm. The relationships they developed in that community remain among their most cherished blessings.

Through it all, he remained a hands-on Dad who modeled and lived the way he wanted his family to live. Tom loved being Grandpa to his grandchildren and attending their activities. He never missed a chance to dance a polka with Zita at a family wedding.

Tom was about faith, family and hard work. Every Sunday morning you would see Tom and Zita getting their seven children ready to be on time for church. God was at the foundation of their life.

Tom enjoyed horseback riding, and hunting deer and pheasant with his children and extended family.

Tom was a runner who ran many races including triathlons and a 15-kilometer race at the age of 60 — always competing and playing with his family. He and Zita loved to travel the U.S. They lived in 10 states throughout their marriage, but Oklahoma was their favorite.

Tom was baptized and confirmed in his hometown at St. Joseph Catholic Church. He and Zita prioritized their faith, attending church regularly and teaching their seven children to follow their examples. Over the years, Tom served in the eucharistic ministry and as a reader.