Elmo was born May 13,1939 to James and Bessie (Bilyeu) Adams. He was born and raised in Ozark, MO. In Elmo’s younger years, he played guitar and mandolin, even playing in a band in Ozark. He married Carolyn (Buchan) Adams on August 20, 1970 and together they had four children. He spent much of his career managing the lumberyard at Payless Cashways in Grandview, MO. A while after the closure of Payless, Elmo couldn’t stand the boredom and went to work in the paint and hardware department at the Harrisonville Wal-Mart.
Elmo was an ordained minister in the RLDS church. He also operated his own businesses over the years, most notably Adams Supply Company through which he stocked many small businesses with gloves, socks, and other similar products. As a businessman, Elmo was very organized and particular. He ran his home much like his business, always ensuring things were taken care of and everyone’s needs were met.
Elmo is preceded in death by his brother, Derwood; his parents; and his wife. He is survived by his children: Delores “Dee” A. Wilbanks (Jerry), Guy “Mike” Burgess (Cheryl), Teresa “Terry” Stewart (Fred), and Jimmy Bert “JB” Adams (JoEllen); his grandchildren: Melissa “Missy” Parrott (KR), Justin D. DeBrot (Joyce), Amanda DeBrot, Michael Burgess (Alesha), Amanda Adams, and Bryan Achor; as well as, many great-grandchildren, other family and dear friends.
