Erlon Edward Adams ... former KC-135 crew chief; at 86

ROCHESTER - Erlon Edward Adams Sr, 86, of Rochester, died peacefully on Oct. 24 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years JoAnne Adams(Lemieux), his son Erlon Jr and wife Ginny, Stepson David Clark, Daughter Bobbie-Jo Roach of Rochester and Son John Adams and Wife Pamela of Littleton.

He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his Parents Avis (Dyer) and Arnold Adams, daughter Sue Ellen of Massachusetts, and

sisters April Adams, Arlene Shaw and her husband Robert Shaw of Dover.

Erlon "Earl" graduated from Dover High School in 1955. From there he enlisted into the Air Force as a KC-135 Crew Chief and completed almost 7 full years of service until he was Honorably Discharged in 1965. From the service he became a Auto Body repair technician and then opened Adams Auto Body/Adams Auto Kustom at his home until 1998.

Earl formed a passion for building things which ultimately led him into the NH Soap Box Derby. At 15 he reigned victorious as the 1952 State Champion and represented NH in Akron Ohio and raced against kids from all over the country. He was an avid freshwater and saltwater fisherman, enjoyed shooting firearms,

never missed a NASCAR race, and in 2004 he finally saw his beloved Red Sox win the World Series. Being a car enthusiast, he was commonly found at any one of the local Car Shows displaying his Custom

PT Cruiser that was built with the help of his late friend Mo.

Earl was a staunch supporter of our military veterans. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 7 in Rochester and worked with the Rochester Veteran's Council where he would have regular Breakfasts, Cookouts, Holiday parties, and other events to help raise money for veterans from all over the surrounding communities.