Bill Adams Obituary

On January 22nd, 2025, John (Bill) Williams Adams, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away at the age of 92. He is proceeded in death by his wife, Mary Adams, grandson Mariah Adams, parents John and Bernice Adams, brothers Darrell Adams and David Adams. He is survived by daughter Priscilla (Rudi) Aistleitner of Linz, Austria, sons Philip (Jennifer) Adams of Paris, France and Daniel (Janelle) Adams of Truro, Iowa.

Bill was born on July 10th, 1932 in Lyons. Kansas. He attended high school at Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta Canada. While serving in the army in Paris France, he met his lovely bride, Mary McConkey, and they were married on December 5, 1953. Bill earned his Bachelors Degree from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, MN. With their first son Philip in tow, they moved to Switzerland and attended a French language school before beginning their missionary work in France. They welcomed their second child, Priscilla, before leaving for Bordeaux, France. In 1969, they were surprised with their 3rd child Daniel.

Bill and Mary served as missionaries for 36 years in France, planting churches, mentoring students, and bringing the Gospel to the French people. The ripple effect from their work has been felt worldwide and touched generations. A big part of their ministry was purchasing a barge and spreading the Gospel up and down the canal between Bordeaux and Toulouse. It was called “Alithea”, meaning truth.

In 1996 the Adams retired and moved backed to Runnells, Iowa. During the summer they would return to France and continue their ministry. During his “retirement”, Bill was active with The Gideons distributing Bibles around Iowa. After Mary’s death in 2011, he continued to be active in his life by playing his violin at various locations in Des Moines, teaching Sunday school, and preaching. He also had the opportunity to teach in Niger, Africa, while visiting his son Philip and wife Jenny.

Bill never stopped his ministering, even when he was in the hospital. He gently led a nurse to the Lord, inspired everyone who met him, and never lost faith. Hospital staff would stop in his room to say hello, when they weren’t even working. He touched so many people. In his last hours, he read a devotional to the people who had come to say goodbye, always teaching, and leading by example.

“He has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he has kept the faith, hence forth, there is laid up for him, a crown of righteousness.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Visitation will be 2-5 p.m., Sunday, January 26 at Iles Grandview Park Chapel. Funeral will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 27 at Pleasant Hill Free Church followed by interment at Powers-Warren Cemetery. For those unable to attend in person, the funeral will be livestreamed on Bill's obituary page at www.IlesCares.com.

Livestream link can be found here or at the bottom of this page: https://youtube.com/live/f0cJosREWuY?feature=share

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