Donald E. Adams

December 2, 1912 — January 30, 2007

Donald E. AdamsLongtime resident of Waterford Township pioneer family, Judge Donald E. Adams died Tuesday, January 30, 2007. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Elizabeth S. Adams and son, David Adams of Bonita Springs, Florida. Judge Adams was son of Jayno Whitmore and Blanche Walker Earl Adams; grandson of Oliver Clark and Harriet Windiate Earl, great-grandson of Rev. Oliver and Elizabeth Earl, and John and Harriet Windiate.Born December 27, 1912 in Waterford, he served for 40 years as judge, beginning in 1937 when elected Justice of the Peace and served as Oakland County Probate Judge for 16 years until retirement in 1977.As no local school was available in earliest grade school years he was taught by his mother. He met his future wife in Pontiac High School when they became chemistry partners and graduated in 1929 as Valedictorian. Don graduated Phi Beta Kappa, University of Michigan, AB 1934, JD 1936.He has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Pontiac since 1924.Judge Adams volunteered in World War II and was commissioned an officer in the United States Naval Reserve.As Oakland County Probate Judge he was closely associated with the physical development of the court house complex, including Children's Village. He stated his judicial philosophy, in part by saying, "Few positions offer greater opportunity for public service that that of Judge of Probate. Since the Judge of Probate handles problems of juveniles, the mentally ill, and estates of decedents, it is in the Probate Court more than any other that the judge deals directly with the rights and individual liberties of persons appearing before him. It is essential that he like people in every walk of life and that he understand human nature."As an attorney he tried the first zoning case in Oakland County.An avid outdoorsman all of his life, he once killed five turkeys with one shot. He was Chairman of the Board of the Oakland County Sportsmen Club during the construction of the clubhouse. Also Past-President of the Pontiac Lions Club with perfect attendance for 60 years. Member of the Elks Club, Masons, Boys Club board of directors, Boy Scouts, and the Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society.

Memorials:

Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society

Visitations:

10:00AM to 11:00AM on Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 at Pontiac Chapel of Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home (map/driving directions)

Services:

In-state at 10:00AM, Service at 11:00AM at Pontiac Chapel of Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home on Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 (map/driving directions)

Cemetery:

Sashabaw Plains Cemetery
Maybee Road
Clarkston, MI 48348 (map/driving directions)

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Donald E. Adams

December 2, 1912 — January 30, 2007

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