Nolan Francis Adams

Nolan Adams would always say, "Eventually all the pieces fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moment, and know that everything happens for a reason." And with that adage, Nolan F. Adams lived his life for the Lord using all the talents and resources he was given to be ultimately given back to Him in daily service.
Nolan was the youngest of 8 children born January 18, 1934, in Clay Center, KS to Glenn C. Adams and Elizabeth (Osenbaugh) Adams. He married his Clay Center High School sweetheart Joyce Grumme on June 6, 1954. At first, he attended KU and then graduated from Kansas State in 1955 mainly because it was closer to his sweetheart. Nolan served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956 to 1963 leaving as Captain and whose life demonstrated the Marine Corps' slogan of 'Semper Fi', which means always faithful.

He joined IBM as a Systems Engineer in 1959 until 1991 being recognized as the foremost systems engineer expert in large mainframes and software for 32 years. Nolan learned how to fly as a private pilot and thoroughly enjoyed flying for 30-yrs fulfilling a childhood dream when he watched the bi-plane crop dusters in Kansas across from his childhood farmhouse.

He moved over 20 times until settling in Denver in 1998. Nolan was active with the Veteran's Honor Guard at Ft. Logan for 10+ years; he volunteered with the Christian Set Free Ministries for 20+ years; his wife Joyce, proceeded his passing in April 2019, but he leaves his daughter Gretchen Carlson and her husband David Carlson in Indianapolis, son Todd Adams in Denver, Colorado, 4 grandchildren Mark and Eric Carlson, Nolan and Benson Adams, and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was an amazing man who would introduce himself to a stranger and within minutes, strike up a conversation sharing jokes, talking about anything and allowing the stranger to leave feeling very upbeat, laughing, and having a good day! He always had a story and joke to share; he was a very positive person.

Nolan was the consummate professional who lived a life full of integrity, was always dependable, always faithful, was someone who worked hard whose work ethic personified diligence, commitment to excellence, and honor. He enjoyed water and snow skiing, flying, reading, and spending time in prayer. He frequently wore a red shirt, comfortably wore size 13 EEE shoes, his hands that would dwarf others, but whose heart was committed to the Lord Jesus Christ and whose mind was sharp, logical, and very intelligent while he sprinkled a joke and humorous story in every conversation. He will be greatly missed on this earth but whose spirit will live on for an eternity in heaven.

Nolan passed on September 20, 2021, in Denver. Burial services held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO.

The family suggests contributions to the ministry where Nolan volunteered;

Set Free Prison Ministries
PO Box 19760
Denver, CO 80219


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